what scan tool should I buy?

[79big10]

I am thinking of buying a scan tool, and I am wondering what type I should get. I have a 97 1500, but i would also like to be able to use it on older vehicles too(I know that there are different types for pre 1996 vehicles OBDI and OBDII or something like that).

I saw this one at sears: Actron Autoscanner
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00947059000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Automotive+Testing+Equipment&BV_SessionID=@@@@0851932795.1173244820@@@@&BV_EngineID=cckgaddkgeilhggcefecemldffidfmm.0

Is this a good one?
Is there any other software that is needed?

any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Trevor350]

I am hoping to get a scan tool this summer...and i am leaning towards Actron aswell...does that one just pull codes though? I want to get one that can do all kinds of readings and what not.

You can go to the Actron site and do some research

[Sled_Dog]

thats not a scan tool. it is a code reader. If you want to just read codes go ahead and get that. IT does the job just fine. It won't be doing OBD-I stuff anytime soon. On GMs anyway you can just use the old paper clip scan code reader though.

[NEUMANNZZ]

I use an autoxray scanner ezscan6000 it does everything. go here:
http://www.autoxray.com/

shop around on the internet, you can get one way cheaper. I bought mine here:http://www.autotestsys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ATS&Category_Code=ST

might be able to find it cheaper.

[RSHugger]

Agree... AutoXray is the way to go. You can download upgrades to keep you scan tool current, easy to use and quality that is tough to beat at the price. I was able to look around the Internet, find a cheap price and get my local Checker/Schucks/Kragen to match the price plus give me a 5% discount, and still not have to pay for shipping. Quite the deal in my opinion... plus they had it in stock.

That is my $.02