Hello, people.
Professional vehicle mechanics use a Computer to diagnose problems,... right?
But, those StandAlone systems cost a lot...
Professional high-end diagnostic scan tools (like AutoBoss, x431, KESSv2) cost $3,000.
Software for both reading car data PLUS tuning/reprogramming car chip data: maybe $25,000.

I figured... What about a Software program that can be used on a Windows laptop?
I Googled "vehicle diagnostic software" and found a nice selection of options...
www-dot-totalcardiagnostics.com/toad/ for $127.
www.scantool.net/ for an unclear cost, and additional $ for software for each car Make.
www-dot-obdautodoctor.com/ for $99, but annual updates cost more.
ScanXL from www-dot-palmerperformance.com for $130, but what about annual updates?
ScanMaster from www.scantool.net for $70; + their required hardware dongle is at least $30.
www.AutoEnginuity.com for $1,500 for all car Makes; requires their ST06 hardware dongle.
www.PicoAuto.com for around $800? Not clear what's included.

Some of the above mentioned that annual updates are included in the original purchase price.
Of course, they all need a Hardware device that plugs into the OBD2 port.
Many of them use the ELM327 adapter hardware: around $30 (but beware of cheap clones for $8).

SO,... My Questions...
Have you used / Do you use... any of these, or similar, programs?
Is there anything that you might recommend along these lines?
I'd like a system that can be used on any car Make.
Would be nice to have the capability to reprogram the vehicle chip.

Your ideas? Thoughts?

Thanks.

Mark53