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CarMD's 99 dollar tester is worth the money for the basic diagnostic tool that it is. You basically hook it up to your car, start the engine...wait for the beeps, and then take it to your computer (or in my case I just take my laptop with me to my car, and use wifi) and connect it up via usb.
Once you've hooked it up to your computer, it'll take you to your CarMD website, where it'll show you what the codes (if any) mean for YOUR vehicle. For most of the codes I've read from my own vehicles, the website will give you the most "likely" causes plus possible fixes (with cost).
The reader wont give you step by step instructions on fixes, nor will it clear lights, it wont really give you any information on a solid fix, just some ideas...but they're a good start. Most professionals will have a more advanced reader, and they'll have access to more information (and experience).
The most useful use for this device is getting a quick indication (red/yellow/green) of your cars major systems. If you're going to buy a used car - take it with you...hook it up, start the car (hopefully), and if you get green, you're likely to be ok, if you get a yellow or red --- you're new(used) car may have issues. Additionally, if you get a yellow or red, and the check engine light is NOT on the car....the car you're looking at might have had it's Check Eng light may have been cut by the dealer to hide problems.
So to answer the question....Yes it's worth the 99 if you're going to be going to a lot of used car lots, not so great if you want more detailed info (or the ability to clear the eng light) --- a more costly scanner is what you really need.
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∙ 14y ago
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Is it smart to get the extended warranty on a used vehicle?
It really depends on how much you're paying for the vehicle. Factors related to price are age of the vehicle and condition of the vehicle. If the vehicle is really not worth much to begin with, the cost of an extended warranty will not be worth your while. However, if the car is worth a lot of money, and you're paying a good price for it, it would be worth it to purchase the extended warranty if it's you can get a good price on that, as well. Consider it this way: do you want to pay for an extended warranty on a vehicle that isn't worth much to replace?
What is a reasonable price for getting a head gasket repaired?
It all depends on what your vehicle is currently worth. If your vehicle is worth $2,000 and it costs $2,000 in order to fix it, then it definitely is not worth the cost.
By having no trade -in what is that worth when buying a used Vehicle?
ain't worth anything other than you mite be able to talk dealer down on price if payin cash.
What is a reasonable price for a used Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The price of a used Jeep Grand Cherokee range. The exact price would depend on the year you are looking for and the condition of the vehicle that is for sale.
What is good quality and price for a used dodge Dakota?
A good price for a used dodge Dakota varies greatly by what year the vehicle in question is. A 2009 will be worth significantly more than say, a 2001. a used 2001 dodge Dakota can be worth around 8,000, while a 2009 can be worth around 17,000.
If someone totals your car and leaves the scene and is arrested for DUI is there a higher payoff for the vehicle?
No. The vehicle is worth what the vehicle is worth, no matter how it was totaled
What if your car was not wrecked but needs repair and the cost of the repair is more that the worth of the vehicle?
Then you should sell the vehicle. If you cannot arrange a private party sale for the vehicle, you may want to consider selling it for scrap metal (contact local scrap and junk yards to see what price you can get for it).
How much is a 2000 Lincoln Navigator worth?
The simple answer is that it is worth what you can get for it. Depending on the following items and more: your location, miles on the vehicle, condition of the vehicle, equipment on the vehicle. It also depends on: whether you are trading the vehicle to a dealer, selling it to another party yourself or the price a dealer puts on the window when selling. Several websites attempt to address this type of question. One reliable source is Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com).
What is the average price of a used Mazda 6?
The average price of a used Mazda 6 varies depending upon the condition of the vehicle. A rough 2009 Mazada 6 with between 7,000 and 12,300 miles on it would be worth about $10,620.
How much is Katie price worth?
Katie price is a glamour model and is worth about 30million pounds...
What does it mean when a car salesman says the residual is not that good on this car?
He's either referring to the resale value being poor or the price it's offered at is not worth the performance of the vehicle.
Is buying a hybrid vehicle really worth the extra money?
Only you can make the determination. You will never recoup the extra price in fuel savings unless you can get state and federal rebates.
