The Carly OBD II scanner has emerged as a frontrunner in simplifying car diagnostics for everyday vehicle owners. This compact device promises to unlock a wealth of data from your car, delivering insights directly to your smartphone via the Carly app, and highlighting any potential issues lurking beneath the surface.
Equipped with a powerful 32-bit ARM processor, the Carly scanner is designed to communicate with a vast range of vehicles, from a Volkswagen Polo to a Bentley Mulsanne. Its compatibility extends to any petrol car sold in the EU from 2001 onwards (and 2004 for diesel models), thanks to the mandatory OBD II port. The core purpose of such a tool is early fault detection, potentially saving car owners significant sums on repair bills.
Carly distinguishes itself from other OBD II scanners with features like Mileage Check, designed to detect odometer fraud, all while maintaining a small, user-friendly design and an accessible price point. The appeal is undeniable: a comprehensive vehicle health check in your pocket, further enhanced by a premium subscription unlocking in-depth analysis of your car’s systems.
This review is brought to you by Aaron Hussain, a classic car aficionado who understands the critical importance of preventative maintenance and continuous monitoring for vehicle longevity, regardless of age or type.
Verdict: A powerful tool for proactive car maintenance in a pocket-sized format, though minor app quirks prevent it from achieving perfection.
Score: 4/5
RRP £53.89 | VIEW OFFER
Carly OBD Scanner: The Pros
Simplicity is at the heart of the Carly scanner’s appeal. Locate the OBD II port in your car (typically under the steering wheel), plug in the device, and let it get to work. The scanner swiftly gathers data, which is then presented in the Carly app in a clear and understandable format. Forget complex manuals; Carly makes car diagnostics accessible to everyone. While the initial scan time can vary based on the complexity of a car’s electronic systems – averaging around 5-10 minutes – the wait is worthwhile for the wealth of information provided. Users can easily navigate through the diagnostic results, identify areas needing attention, and even clear fault codes as needed.
A standout feature is Carly’s Mileage Check. This innovative function scans various electronic control units within the vehicle to identify potential mileage discrepancies, a crucial tool for used car buyers concerned about odometer fraud. During testing, the feature accurately verified mileage in test vehicles, highlighting its potential value in ensuring transparency when purchasing a pre-owned car.
Versatility is another key advantage. Since 2004, all cars are mandated to have an OBD II port, making the Carly OBD scanner compatible with virtually any car from that year onwards. From everyday cars to high-performance vehicles like an Aston Martin Vulcan or Shelby Ultimate Aero, the Carly scanner can be used across a broad spectrum of makes and models, making it an invaluable companion for test drives and vehicle inspections for almost any car manufactured in the 21st century.
Carly Scanner: The Neutral Aspects
It’s important to acknowledge that diagnostic scans may display historical data if fault codes haven’t been previously cleared. The onus is on the user to interpret the data and differentiate between current issues and past faults. While the Carly scanner provides comprehensive data, users need to exercise discretion in assessing the severity and relevance of each reported issue. On the positive side, Carly’s thoroughness ensures no potential problem is overlooked.
The value proposition of the Carly scanner involves a tiered approach. The base product, priced just over £56, enables basic diagnostics. The Carly Used Car Check is a free feature available to all app users. However, the premium subscription model introduces variable pricing depending on vehicle brand, impacting access to advanced features. For instance, Mercedes-Benz vehicles may require a higher subscription tier compared to Ford, and some brands, like Holden, may only offer basic package compatibility. Prospective users should investigate feature availability and pricing specific to their vehicle make to fully understand the cost-benefit ratio.
Carly Scanner: The Drawbacks
Given the depth of its analysis across numerous electronic modules, the Carly scanner can take a considerable amount of time to complete a full diagnostic scan. While technologically justifiable, the wait time, potentially reaching up to ten minutes, can be frustrating for users seeking quick results. The scan duration is also vehicle-dependent; more complex cars like a Mercedes S-Class will naturally take longer than simpler models like a Toyota GT86.
For seasoned mechanics and car technicians, the Carly scanner’s simplified diagnostics might seem somewhat basic. However, for the average car buyer and owner, this user-friendly approach is a significant advantage, making complex vehicle data understandable and actionable, potentially preventing costly mistakes when purchasing a used car.
Moving beyond the scanner itself, the Carly app has some minor usability issues. A persistent feedback pop-up, requiring a minimum character count to dismiss, interrupts the user experience, particularly during the Used Car Check. While this doesn’t affect diagnostic accuracy, it is an unwelcome interruption.
Another peculiar issue is a minor data inaccuracy within the car selection menu, where the Audi RS2 model year range is incorrectly listed. While seemingly a minor detail, such inconsistencies can undermine user confidence in the app’s overall data integrity.
New Feature: Carly Community (November 2024)
Carly has recently introduced the Carly Community, an online forum designed to enhance the diagnostic experience. This platform allows users to connect with certified mechanics and other vehicle owners to share queries and receive support.
Users select their car make, model, issue category, and symptoms, and then detail their question for the community. The forum also allows browsing of existing queries and responses. Mechanic responses within the Carly Community appear detailed and insightful, offering potential solutions and issue identification. While the Carly Community offers valuable insights and can help narrow down potential problems, it’s crucial to remember that it should complement, not replace, a professional, in-person vehicle inspection by a trusted mechanic.
New Feature: Repair Cost Calculator (August 2024)
Another valuable addition to the Carly ecosystem is the Repair Cost Calculator. This tool estimates potential repair costs for identified vehicle issues.
Users can input diagnostic data from a Carly scan for more precise estimations. Alternatively, users can manually input vehicle make, model, and symptoms. The calculator then provides a tiered list of potential issues and associated repair costs, including estimated labor time, ranked by severity based on repair expense.
Testing with a 2014 BMW 5-Series and a “squeaky brake” symptom yielded surprisingly relevant results, with cost estimates ranging from £200 to £2,000. Currently web-based, the Repair Cost Calculator’s functionality would be greatly enhanced by integration into the Carly app. While promising, the accuracy of its cost estimations remains to be fully evaluated over time.
Other OBD2 Scanners to Consider:
TOPDON Topscan OBD2 Scanner, RRP £69.99
Autel OBD2 Code Reader, RRP £29.99
Bosch Automotive Tools OBD 1150 Trilingual Scan Tool, RRP £87.78
Carly Scanner Testing Methodology:
The Carly Scanner’s performance was assessed across various vehicles to evaluate its versatility. The app’s user-friendliness and the device’s ease of physical operation were key evaluation criteria. The testing did not involve actual repair or diagnostic code clearing procedures.
Reviewer Profile:
This Carly Scanner review was conducted by Aaron Hussain, a proponent of preventative maintenance for vehicles. His experience with classic Mercedes vehicles makes him appreciate the value of proactive vehicle health monitoring, which aligns perfectly with the Carly Scanner’s intended use for modern vehicles.
Disclaimer: Please note that while we may receive commissions from links on this website, this does not influence our product reviews. See our ethics policy for more details.
