Choosing the best OBD scanner can be challenging, especially when you’re looking for reliable reviews from 2014. While technology has advanced, understanding the landscape of OBD scanners from that era provides valuable context, particularly if you’re working with older vehicles or seeking budget-friendly options. In 2014, the market was already diverse, offering everything from basic code readers to more advanced diagnostic tools. Let’s delve into what constituted a good OBD scanner in 2014, considering factors like functionality, compatibility, and user reviews from that time.
For basic diagnostics in 2014, ELM327-based OBD readers were a popular and cost-effective entry point. These readers, often knockoffs of the original ELM327 chip design, were praised for their affordability and ability to perform fundamental tasks such as reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). They typically lacked proprietary software, relying instead on third-party apps. For users in 2014, this meant pairing these readers with software like Torque Pro for Android devices. However, a known limitation even back then was iPhone compatibility issues with Bluetooth ELM327 scanners. As discussed in online forums like Bobistheoilguy.com, users often sought solutions for connecting ELM327 readers to iPhones, frequently finding that Wi-Fi versions were more reliable for Apple devices. Despite their basic nature, ELM327 scanners offered a significant advantage for DIY car maintenance, allowing users to understand and clear common error codes without visiting a mechanic.
Stepping up in terms of features and user-friendliness, the BlueDriver scan tool was already making a name for itself in 2014. BlueDriver distinguished itself by offering a proprietary app that provided not just code definitions but also repair recommendations. Reviews from 2014 highlighted its ease of use and the added value of suggesting likely faulty parts based on specific error codes and vehicle models. This feature was particularly helpful for less experienced users. While the BlueDriver scanner was only compatible with its own app and couldn’t be used with platforms like Torque, its comprehensive diagnostic reports and lack of subscription fees were major selling points. A sample BlueDriver repair report from that period illustrates the level of detail provided, including potential causes and repair steps for specific DTCs. Although positioned at a higher price point than basic ELM327 readers, BlueDriver was considered a worthwhile investment by many in 2014, particularly for its time-saving diagnostic assistance.
For users requiring more advanced capabilities in 2014, the OBDLink MX+ was a top-tier choice. OBDLink MX+ was favored for its fast data polling speed and enhanced diagnostic features, including access to manufacturer-specific error codes. While BlueDriver also offered data monitoring, OBDLink MX+ was preferred by enthusiasts and professionals for its user interface and responsiveness. Reviews from 2014 often mentioned its enhanced code scanning capabilities, which provided deeper insights into vehicle systems beyond generic OBD-II codes. Although initially, some enhanced features were offered as paid add-ons or trials, by 2014, OBDLink was transitioning towards offering these advanced functionalities for free, further enhancing its value proposition. However, it’s worth noting that even with advanced features, fixing issues still required manual research, often involving online searches to understand the suggested fixes. Despite being a more expensive option, OBDLink MX+ was praised in 2014 reviews for its robust performance and advanced diagnostic depth.
It’s crucial to remember when consulting “Obd Scanner Reviews 2014” that technology evolves rapidly. Information from that period may be outdated in terms of specific models and features available today. However, the fundamental types of scanners—basic readers, user-friendly diagnostic tools, and advanced professional-grade scanners—were already well-established in 2014. Reviews from that year provide a solid foundation for understanding the core functionalities and trade-offs between different scanner types. For anyone researching OBD scanners, particularly for older vehicles or to understand the historical context of these tools, exploring reviews from 2014 can offer valuable perspectives. The scanners highlighted, like ELM327 readers, BlueDriver, and OBDLink MX+, represent different tiers of capability and price, offering a range of options that were relevant and well-regarded in the OBD scanner market of 2014.
