When looking for a good scan tool for your car, you might encounter various options with different pricing models. One tool that often comes up in discussions is Thinkdiag. A common question revolves around its subscription – is it worth it, and how does it actually work? Let’s break down the Thinkdiag subscription model to help you understand if it’s the right scan tool for your needs.
Thinkdiag offers robust OBDII functionality right out of the box, and the best part? These basic diagnostic functions are yours to use forever, without any ongoing fees. This makes it a solid entry-level option for reading and clearing basic codes on any vehicle.
However, to unlock the full potential of Thinkdiag, including advanced features like bidirectional controls, special functions, and in-depth diagnostics, you’ll encounter their subscription system. Thinkdiag provides flexibility with how you choose to subscribe, offering a couple of options to cater to different user needs:
- Manufacturer-Specific Subscription: For $39.99 per year, per car manufacturer, you gain access to all diagnostic functions for vehicles of that specific brand. For example, subscribing to the “Kia” manufacturer allows you to perform advanced diagnostics on any Kia vehicle for a year. Notably, purchasing a Thinkdiag tool typically includes one free manufacturer subscription for the first year.
- Function-Specific Subscription: Alternatively, for $49.99 annually, you can unlock a single service function, such as ABS actuation, across all car manufacturers. This can be cost-effective if you primarily need a specific function across various makes.
Thinkdiag also frequently offers a promotion: a yearly subscription unlocking all functions across all manufacturers for around $129. It’s worth noting that if your subscription lapses, the advanced functions beyond basic OBDII will be disabled until you renew.
The subscription model is designed to be adaptable. If you’re a DIY enthusiast working on your own vehicles, you can subscribe only to the manufacturers you need, or take advantage of the all-makes package for broader coverage. For professional technicians specializing in specific services like TPMS resets, the function-specific subscription can be a budget-friendly solution.
While the annual fee might seem like an added cost, it’s crucial to compare Thinkdiag to other bidirectional scan tools. Consider the annual update fees associated with brands like Launch, which are often more expensive. In this context, Thinkdiag presents itself as a competitively priced, feature-rich “Good Scan Tool For Car”, especially when you factor in the ongoing updates for new models and functionalities that come with the subscription.
