Inexpensive interface for newer CAN vehicles ?

[Louis-Alain Richard]

Ok, Dad got a 2008 MK5 Golf, Honey will get a 2006-08 (B6) A6 to replace her
Saab, a few friends have cars from this century, so it's time for me to get
an interface to "talk" with these new rides.

 

My beloved 1983 Quattro just needs a few nice words and a voltmeter to
reveal her wounds, but we'd been together since so long, I can diagnose
before the failure now.

 

VAG-COM is the obvious choice, 250$ will get me a proper cable and the
registered software. Not cheap, but if it's the only option, then be it.

 

Now, is there any other choices ? I do want to read codes and such, but I'd
prefer a setup that will let me re-program a few things, and let me run the
complete diagnosis procedure before swapping expensive parts.

 

What are your solutions ?

 

Louis-Alain