VAG-COM

[Stephen Kormilo]

> Message: 10
> Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 17:43:34 -0500
> From: Kneale Brownson <knotnook at traverse.com>
> Subject: Re: VAG-COM
> To: QuickAudi at aol.com, quattro at audifans.com, v8 at audifans.com
> Cc: MHLIGGINS at aol.com
> Message-ID: <4.1.20050117173510.017985c8 at traverse.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> I don't know about the Vag-com, but the RossTech one requires a computer,
> doesn't it?  The ProDiag system from Shade Tree Software, LLC
> (www.shadetreesoftware.com) lets you use a PalmOS device.  Much more handy.

But not anywhere near as powerful in providing detailed diagnostic 
information. I haven't checked, but I suspect that it won't be able to 
handle the newer cars with CAN bus. Also, the VAG-COM support is excellent.

> At 04:47 PM 1/17/2005 -0500, QuickAudi at aol.com wrote:
> From: QuickAudi at aol.com
> Subject: VAG-COM
> To: quattro at audifans.com, v8 at audifans.com
> Cc: MHLIGGINS at aol.com
> Message-ID: <31F2980A.6B599563.028D39B4 at aol.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
> 
> Well guys, I think it's about time to buy a VAG-COM.  My V8 basically requires one, and there isn't one within 70 miles of here that I know of.  Dad has a 2000 Passat that is probably going to need it as well.  Here's the question(s).
> Which one is the best, and which is the best for the price?  If I ran it off of my laptop, it'd have to be via USB.  With the RossTech, I'd have to get the professional version to service both my and dad's cars, I think, and it'd probably be a good idea in case I ever get a newer car (heaven forbid...)
> Thanks for the comments in advance.
> 
> 
> Joel
> '90 V8q
> '86 5kcstq

I would advise you to buy one of the KEY models, if money is tight. Buy 
a PRO model if you can afford the extra cost(~$100??).
As far as I can see, the main advantage of the PRO models is their 
ability to be used on the CAN-bus cars, which I expect to become the 
norm on all future VAG vehicles.
All you will need for your current vehicles is one of the KEY models.
If you get a CAN bus car at some time in the future you can upgrade to a 
PRO, for virtually no extra cost.
IMO, Ross-Tech has been exceptional in offering this hardware upgrade path.


-- 
Stephen Kormilo
Winnipeg, MB
CANADA

Silver 2002 Audi A4 3.0QM
Now departed:   Silver '98.5 Audi A4 2.8QM
                            Black '85 Mazda Rx7 GSL-SE

email: stephen at kormilo.ca