I do. Since that thread first started, I expanded my AE. Then I only had the Ford, GM, and toyota enhanced expansions. Now I have add Chrylser, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Hyundia/Kia, Subaru, Mitsubishi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Porche. I also have GM of Europe. I plan to add thier VW/Audi, and Mercedes soon.
"Love" is a strong word. Lets say really like alot instead. I would "love" it if they would speed the data refresh rate up to the speed of OE level tools. But if all I had ever used was aftermarket tool before, I really wouldn't know the difference or what I was missing. Same with some of the 'tests"... AE is not full OE level like they (all tools really try) to claim. Like, sure, I can program security (PATS) keys on the Ford but can't on any other make.
Other things, like so far... it looks like i only have enhanced coverage on Freelander and not Range Rover or other Land Rover lines.
It was Enhanced powertrain only on the Freelander at that. But, I hooked to a BMW M5 and got full body access. But on second thought... HEY! I have enhanced coverage on a Landrover, BMW, and other Euro cars like Porche for dirt cheap!
AE is a little hit-or-miss when it comes to coverages. One car you hook to, like a 2001 Maxima, thinking you should have Enhanced... and it ticks you off to find all you have is Generic powertain only.
But then hook to a 2002 Altima and you have Enhanced powertain and can see things like cam timing advance.
One car you hook to with the enhanced expansion and you are like "WTF?"
Then the next you hook to, you are absolutely jumping for joy at the full-body access to controllers you'd never imagine such a low price would let you into.
Our body shop here (Ford dealership) repairs all makes. And I see all-makes from the used car lot. I get them from the body shop with Air Bag lights on. So far, everything they've sent up here, mostly Hondas, GMs, and toyotas, I have at LEAST been able to code and errase Air bag modules. Some had very helpful data PIDs available.
When the shop's floater VCMs (interface module for IDS) are all in use, I use AE in here as a back up tool on Fords. Full body access accept for MS-CAN controllers. Which kinda sucks since I am in a Ford dealer. But when I am outside the dealer, I have yet the need to access a Ford MS-CAN controller.... but that day is coming. But you still get HS-CAN controllers.
The Mode $6 is great on AE, but sometimes takes a while to load. I mean up to 4 minutes on some vehicles. Then sometimes it is loading the second you go the the MODE$6 screen and loads in less than 10 seconds.
Instead of a tough book. Check out Malmart's ASPIRE ONE. Is is a mini laptop with a 160gig hard drive and still runs XP. That is my next laptop. I've been using Dell Latitudes and ready to switch. My brother got one of those mini laptops. They go for 250 to 300 new at Walmart and Sam's club. The price goes up and down every couple of months. They are compact, and feather weight, and seem to hold up good.
I don't see why to spend the money for a tough book, when all of my laptops have crashed from software issues, not physical issues. A tough book is no tougher against a trojan, worm, and other crap than any other PC. It just costs you more with a bad email burns one of those up.
