[Milehighxr]

So what is the best of the sub $250.00 coder readers these days? I need something that is bidirectional and can activate sensors, windows etc. Has to do all tests reset all lights, everything the expensive scanners do. It must come with free lifetime software updates. I would prefer PC based, but I do have an android tablet/old phone laying around that I can use with a bluetooth based scanner. I've seen some that have gotten good reviews on Amazon for like $150ish, but thought I'd check here before buying something I may end up being disappointed with...

I can't justify anything more than $250.00, and absolutely will not consider anything that requires a subscription unless the tool itself is free, and the subscription is cheaper than Netflix LOL

The immediate goal is to fix the ABS/AWD DISABLE lights on my 2002 Venture WB edition. I was able to pull the code from the ABS module, and came up with C1214. Service manual instantly asks me to connect a code reader and attempt some sort of activation test(current code reader is one way). I assume the goal of the diagnostic test is to verify the ABS pulse modulator or some other component has failed. Future needs are being able to work on 2006 Subaru Legacy GT, 2014 Ford Fiesta, and possibly 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. 

I called a shop asking for quotes to repair cuz I'm not int he mood to dive into this on this vehicle, and the response was too vague. Probably because the car is soooooo old that they don't see many of them, and forgot that wheel speed sensor throw a totally unrelated code to what I have now...
Needless to say I am not taking it to a shop, and I highly doubt the dealer is gonna wanna touch it.

[TurboRay]

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It's not my intent to be "Debbie Downer", Johnny ~ BUT...... I've been a professional mechanic (ASE-cert'd "Master") for as long as ASE certification has existed - and I seriously doubt you'll find a NEW "bi-directional" scanner for 250 bux! But, I wuz wrong once B4!

I recently watched a YouTube video posted by a mechanic in Pakistan or India (??) that showed him using an Autel Maxi-IM scanner that did all sorts of enviable diagnostic procedures, programming, and servo implementation (incl the verification of "communication paths" between a Camry transponder key, the transponder ign-sw "antenna", the separate transponder ECU, and the main ECM). With it, he was able to diagnose and repair a security/transponder-related "no-start" ~ like I've been trying to do on my S-I-L's car, in vain, for about 3 weeks. BUT, alas....... it sells for over $3K!!  <eek>

My suggestion would be to search the "Tools" or "Automotive Parts & Accessories" categories on Amazon for "OBD2 Scanner", and select "Average Customer Review" in the drop-down "sort by" menu at the upper right. Then, look for one that has the features you're looking for, at a cost you're willing to pay. Anything AT or ABOVE a 4.6 rating is probably a good gamble ~ BUT, be sure it has at least 100 reviews (a 5.0 rating with only 5 reviews is worthless, likely including a lot of fake reviews).

I bought a "Launch" 'Creader II' scanner several years ago from a Chinese seller on eBay that scans all sorts of data that my previous cheap/generic scanner didn't do (ABS, SRS, transmission, body, etc.) for I THINK about 250 bux, and - value wise -I've been very happy with it. But...... YMMV!  <shrug>  GOOD LUCK (please report back with any "success story", lol)!  <thumbup>

■ ADDENDUM:  Your inquiry prompted me to search Amazon for "bidirectional" scanners, causing me to be painfully aware that I'm living in the past (growing old isn't for sissies). It turns out there are several smartphone-app scanners that work by connecting, via Bluetooth, to a "dongle"/interface plugged into the OBD2 data port ~ offering many of the features you're looking for at a reasonable price. I.e., I found THIS (<--link), which has a lot of reviews, but they only average 4.2 (outta 5)!  Perhaps further searching would yield others with similar features and better reviews?  DUNNO!  <headslap>

[Milehighxr]

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It's not my intent to be "Debbie Downer", Johnny ~ BUT...... I've been a professional mechanic (ASE-cert'd "Master") for as long as ASE certification has existed - and I seriously doubt you'll find a NEW "bi-directional" scanner for 250 bux! But, I wuz wrong once B4!

I recently watched a YouTube video posted by a mechanic in Pakistan or India (??) that showed him using an Autel Maxi-IM scanner that did all sorts of enviable diagnostic procedures, programming, and servo implementation (incl the verification of "communication paths" between a Camry transponder key, the transponder ign-sw "antenna", the separate transponder ECU, and the main ECM). With it, he was able to diagnose and repair a security/transponder-related "no-start" ~ like I've been trying to do on my S-I-L's car, in vain, for about 3 weeks. BUT, alas....... it sells for over $3K!!  <eek>

My suggestion would be to search the "Tools" or "Automotive Parts & Accessories" categories on Amazon for "OBD2 Scanner", and select "Average Customer Review" in the drop-down "sort by" menu at the upper right. Then, look for one that has the features you're looking for, at a cost you're willing to pay. Anything AT or ABOVE a 4.6 rating is probably a good gamble ~ BUT, be sure it has at least 100 reviews (a 5.0 rating with only 5 reviews is worthless, likely including a lot of fake reviews).

I bought a "Launch" 'Creader II' scanner several years ago from a Chinese seller on eBay that scans all sorts of data that my previous cheap/generic scanner didn't do (ABS, SRS, transmission, body, etc.) for I THINK about 250 bux, and - value wise -I've been very happy with it. But...... YMMV!  <shrug>  GOOD LUCK (please report back with any "success story", lol)!  <thumbup>

■ ADDENDUM:  Your inquiry prompted me to search Amazon for "bidirectional" scanners, causing me to be painfully aware that I'm living in the past (growing old isn't for sissies). It turns out there are several smartphone-app scanners that work by connecting, via Bluetooth, to a "dongle"/interface plugged into the OBD2 data port ~ offering many of the features you're looking for at a reasonable price. I.e., I found THIS (<--link), which has a lot of reviews, but they only average 4.2 (outta 5)!  Perhaps further searching would yield others with similar features and better reviews?  DUNNO!  <headslap>

Thanks Ray.  I've been looking at Amazon too, and kinda figured if it had a reasonably high rating and enough reviews(more than 2) that I'd give it serious consideration. I've had my eye on this one:https://www.gearwrench.com/all-tools/sho...-scan-tool  for a few weeks. Lifetime updates for free, and it seems like it will do all the other stuff I want. Downsides is it seems like it could take some effort to get a stable connection. I think I'm gonna wait for prime day and see if the price comes down a bit. Last I looked on amazon it was $145.00.

[TurboRay]

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That Gear Wrench scanner is only 115 bux HERE, Johnny.  The seller, "Woot", is apparently an Amazon company (who knew?) and they offer free shipping to Prime members. <shrug>