Ross-Tech VAGCOM or XTool VAG401 or Carista? And why?

[4wheelpilot]

So much great information about tapping into ours cars to change settings, diagnose problems and clear codes.
It's overwhelming!

Which is "best" (usefulness, cost, ease of use) and why?
Ross-Tech VAGCOM
XTool VAG401
Carista with OBD2 scanner
or other system

((Also, to broaden the input, is there a better area of AZ to post this question?))

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

Ross Tech is leaps above any of the others for any Audi and Volkswagen...



If you own an Audi or VW you need a powerful tool that will help keep your vehicle on the road. Ross-Tech's VCDS helps diagnose real problems instead of swapping out costly parts. With features found only on dealer level factory tools, VCDS surpasses the performance of aftermarket diagnostic tools and rivals factory tools for a fraction of the cost. Always know exactly how your vehicle is running instead of paying someone else to diagnose the problems, usually leaving you with a huge repair bill.

With Ross-Tech's VCDS you can:

• Gain full access to all systems in cars from 1990 through the current model year
• Scan for and clear DTC's with 13,000 fault codes decoded into plain text
• Alter settings normally accessible only to dealerships
• Code replacement modules and select options
• View and log live date and much more!

EuropaParts.com is an official distributor of Ross-Tech's VAG-COM Diagnostic Systems for Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda vehicles. We ship worldwide!


We have all Ross-Tech products in stock... CLICK HERE to view our entire Ross-Tech catalog which includes;

• Diagnostic Tools
• Professional Kits
• Extension Cables
• Adapters

VAG-COM Diagnostic Tool with HEX-USB+CAN Interface

Essential for any Audi / Volkswagen owner, this VAG-COM cable and software will allow you to perform the same advanced computer diagnostics as your Authorized dealer. In addition, you will be able to perform various country-specific modifications to your car (removing seat belt chime, enabling gauge test/needle sweep, enabling lap timer, operating windows and sunroof with remote, and much more).

• Works with all diagnostic-capable Audi / Volkswagen cars from 1990 through the current model year.
• Acts as a "dongle" - activation for the full-function version of VCDS software is built-in!
• Use VCDS software on any suitable PC with an available USB port - no activation codes required.
• Bi-Color (red/green) status/activity LED.
• 12-month guarantee against defects.
• Visit Ross-Tech's HEX-USB+CAN technical page for more information.

FREE insured ground shipping within the 48 contiguous United States. Inexpensive next day and international shipping is available at checkout.

Turn your PC into a powerful diagnostic tool!

VAG-COM Diagnostic Tool with Micro-CAN Interface

This Micro-CAN cable is a low-cost interface is compatible only with the Audi A3 (8P chassis), Audi TT MK2 (8J chassis), and VW Golf MkV-based cars sold in the North American market. See Ross-Tech's Micro-CAN technical page for a list of compatible models.

• Acts as a "dongle". No "Software Activation" required! When used with this interface, VAG-COM is always fully-functional on any PC that meets our requirements.
• USB connector plugs into most modern laptops! (USB 1.1 or 2.0)
• Bi-Color (red/green) status/activity LED
• 12 month guarantee against defects
• For more details and a list of supported models, see Ross-Tech's Micro-CAN technical page.

VAG-COM Mods

Your Audi has a few secrets that can be activated with this tool. For example,

• Removing Seatbelt Chime
• Enabling Gauge Test/Needle Sweep
• Enabling Lap Timer
• Operating Windows and Sunroof with Remote
• And much more...

VAG-COM Diagnostic System (Professional Kit, USB Interface)

Everything a busy shop needs to turn a PC into powerful diagnostic tools for VW, Audi, Seat, or Skoda automobiles. This VAG-COM Professional Kit gives the technician a handy carrying case with all the items needed including:

• One (1) x HEX-USB+CAN Professional Interfaces
• One (1) x Extension cables
• VAS 5051/2 "2x2" Adapter for Older Cars
• VCDS Software on CD-ROM
• A Full Color Printed Manual
• Live Telephone Technical Support for One Year!

VAG-COM Diagnostic System (2-Tech Professional Kit, USB Interface)

Everything a busy shop needs to turn two PC's into powerful diagnostic tools for VW, Audi, Seat, or Skoda automobiles. This 2-Tech Professional Kit gives the technician a handy carrying case with all the items needed including:

• Two (2) x HEX-USB+CAN Professional Interfaces
• Two (2) x Extension cables
• VAS 5051/2 "2x2" Adapter for Older Cars
• VCDS Software on CD-ROM
• A Full Color Printed Manual
• Live Telephone Technical Support for One Year!

For the shop that specializes in VW/Audi work, this Pro kit equips 2 techs and 2 computers!

VAG-COM Diagnostic System (Ultra Professional Kit, USB Interface)

This VCDS Ultra Professional Kit is a turn-key factory-level diagnostic system for cars made by the VW/Audi group. VCDS software running on the included Netbook PC provides full support for vehicles from 1990 through the current model year. VCDS will access all diagnostic capable control modules with the ability to read and clear fault codes, adapt modules, perform basic settings, and read/log/graph live data.

Ross-Tech offers these small powerful, full featured Netbook computers with a 10 inch LCD display, a 160Gbyte or larger rotating hard disk drive, and wireless connectivity for 802.11b/g/n networks.

Free updates of the VCDS software are available via the Internet to keep the tool current.

The VCDS Ultra Pro-Kit gives independent shops the ability to perform diagnostics at a level comparable to factory equipped dealerships at a price/performance ratio unmatched by any other product on the market. Let VCDS help put money in your pocket!

Ross-Tech will provide a Netbook PC from a major manufacturer such as ASUS, Dell or Samsung. The exact model of PC will be dependent upon availability at the time of order.

• Netbook PC running Windows 7
• VCDS pre-installed, ready to run
• OpenOffice Spreadsheet by Sun pre-installed
• Recovery flash drive
• HEX-USB+CAN Professional Interface
• VAS 5051 2x2 adapter for pre-1995 model years
• 16' USB extension cable
• VCDS manual
• Netbook PC manuals
• Power adapter for the Netbook PC
• Full manufacturer's warranty for the Netbook PC
• Carrying/Storage case
• Live Telephone Technical Support for One Year!

VAS 5051/2 "2x2" Adapter for Older Cars

This adapter connects between the 2x2 port in older vehicles (pre-OBDII; pre-1996) to the OBDII connector used for current generation diagnostic tools. Use this adapter in conjunction with the VAG-COM cable to run diagnostics on older Audi and VW's.

VAG-COM USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable (16 feet, 5 meters)


This VAG-COM USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable is used to extend the reach of a Ross-Tech USB Interface from the computer to the vehicle. It connects between the USB port on the computer to the USB plug on the interface. The length of this cable is 16 feet or 5 meters.

It is constructed of high quality signal cable and active repeater electronics which boost the USB signal for maximum reliability and performance over extended distances.

Up to two (2) of these cables can be plugged together to extend the reach of a Ross-Tech interface to a maximum of 38 feet (12m). Ross-Tech has tested and certified this length of extension. Lengths beyond 38 feet on the USB cables are neither recommended nor supported.

Please Note: these are the only USB extension cables Ross-Tech will support at this time. They have tested them extensively and found them to perform to their standards.

[SDV325]

There are some advantages to the VAGCOM setup, there pretty much are no limitations to what can be customized (if it exists).

The Carista app has many but not all of the options however it is a tenth of the cost, adapter and app can be had for $30 bucks. The developer is active on Audizine and is constantly taking suggestions for new customization that can be implemented to the app. I went this route.

[wangshuo1989]

Depends on what you want. If you just want scanning code and one click simple modification, Carista is the best choice. If you want to do some serious shit and KNOW what you are doing, VAG COM is the best.

[14S4GWM]

There are some advantages to the VAGCOM setup, there pretty much are no limitations to what can be customized (if it exists).

The Carista app has many but not all of the options however it is a tenth of the cost, adapter and app can be had for $30 bucks. The developer is active on Audizine and is constantly taking suggestions for new customization that can be implemented to the app. I went this route.

The Carista obd adaptor is $40 bucks alone then the app is $20. The developer has fallen off the face of the earth. Not much if any support from them at all anymore. Although the couple of threads will help out a bit for a noob. Just get RossTech and call it a day.

[wangshuo1989]

The Carista obd adaptor is $40 bucks alone then the app is $20. The developer has fallen off the face of the earth. Not much if any support from them at all anymore. Although the couple of threads will help out a bit for a noob. Just get RossTech and call it a day.

I really wish they can publish a mac version software.. The only windows pc in my house is my gaming desktop...

[14S4GWM]

I really wish they can publish a mac version software.. The only windows pc in my house is my gaming desktop...

You can run windows on mac and use it or get a cheap tablet or laptop for it. 200$ can get you something that works just fine with windows on it.

[DannyDeez]

I really wish they can publish a mac version software.. The only windows pc in my house is my gaming desktop...

Just get a cheap tablet like some of us in the B7 section did. The whole thread is worth a read, but heres my post directly showing which tablet we're using. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10452387

[wangshuo1989]

Just get a cheap tablet like some of us in the B7 section did. The whole thread is worth a read, but heres my post directly showing which tablet we're using. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10452387

That's a great idea. But for 90 bucks more I might as well get the WIFI/Mobile version which costs 449 bucks for 10 VINs, and use my phone to access vag com menu. Not sure how does it compare to cable version functionality wise though.

[14S4GWM]

That's a great idea. But for 90 bucks more I might as well get the WIFI/Mobile version which costs 449 bucks for 10 VINs, and use my phone to access vag com menu. Not sure how does it compare to cable version functionality wise though.

The wifi is limited and they explain on RossTech website. You will hate using that on your phone.

[sacandagaD]

And another advantage to the real thing ( Ross-Tech ) is resale value. I can guarantee you will get back 80% of your purchase price when you decide to sell it. They last about 1 hour on the forums or get bid way up on Ebay.

[wangshuo1989]

The wifi is limited and they explain on RossTech website. You will hate using that on your phone.

Thanks for the info, guess I'll stay away from wifi version then.

[ucha]

hi I hade an audi a4 b5 b6 and now I bought b8 2010 fwd,i just bought xtool vag 401 and I want to modify some some specifications such as close windows automaticaali when I close the door and etc.can you help with coding how can I do it ,and where can I see that codes.

with best regards.