Equus or Actron for OBD diagnosis?

Actron Compact Reader
Which code reader is best for me?
I am still in the process of looking for the right code reader for my husband. I’m trying to find something that will tell him what is wrong when something is wrong. We have 4/5 vehicles that would use the obd1. Considering where I want to buy from, they have these available but I’m not sure if these are what I need. These are my options:
Actron OBD Scanner CP9190 - Full Kit
Actron Items:
- cp9001
- cp9015
- cp7665
- cp7677
- zx503795A
Equus Items:
- 3123
- 3145
CodeKey: 92202

Equus Innova 3160+ABS
If any guy can look at these and tell me what is best for Gm vehicles from1983-1991 it would be great. Our family car fleet consists of:
96 Chevi van
83Ford 150
91 Pontiac Grandpri
85 Oldsmobile Toronado
89 Chevi Camero coupe
I also have a 98 Buick Regal but I think I need an OBD2 that I will get at a later time.
If all you want to do is read code numbers, go to an auto parts store and pick one up for 90 bucks or slightly less. You can also buy them online through eBay or Amazon with as much as 40-50% discount. Seriously. You need to enter either site and do a search for your item. It helps if you can be specific with Make and Model no. From there you will immediately notice the power-sellers from the same item list with the price variations you see (cheapest buy now). They reduce the prices significantly because they purchase in bulk orders. This way they can get them cheap and still profit with that amount of discount they offer you. Their main incentive is to grab the most customers possible for that item as they are competing against other power-sellers. That fierce competition is going to be on your side!
They might also sell some pricey and less requested models, maybe up to several thousand dollars. These do much more than read codes, they read data to help diagnose the vehicle, but are not as common in the every day sales because of their price. I have actually stopped going to my local auto parts store for such items as I get them much cheaper online. I was even considering bulk buying online and selling them to my local auto parts stores as a sub-agent, but I decided against the extra hassle involved, so I stopped dead on my tracks.
The ’98 Buick Regal certainly has the OBD2 system. All US cars from 1996 onwards became mandatory by law to be sold with the OBD2 CAN Bus system. You might find that the biggest models of Actron and Equus Innova will take OBD1 for diagnostics, even though they are designed for Full OBD2 com pliancy.
At my shop we have a expensive Hyundai scan tool, an expensive Snap On scan tool and a cheap 80 dollar scan tool. When the customer just wants a code, I pull out the 80 dollar one. Saves me a lot of time, and does the same job of reading the flagged fault code.
Equus Innova 3030 OBD II Code Readers
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CarMD 2100 Vehicle Health System and Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles $93.99 This product offers peace of mind for anyone who has ever worried about car maintenance and repairs. The easy-to-use device, which fits inside a purse or glove compartment, empowers drivers to monitor their vehicles health. The CarMD tool can be used to quick-check an unlimited number of vehicles. Within seconds, its color-coded (green, yellow, red) vehicle health monitor LED’s tell you if your ve… |
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ScanGauge II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges $159.95 Linear Logic Scangauge II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Trip Computer…. |
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OBD2 ScanTool $142.84 Features and Benefits: Perfect entry-level tool designed to empower any consumer when it comes to vehicle maintenance Features OBD2 Live Data and Freeze Frame Data Works on all 1996 and newer cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans – Domestic and Import Features unique patented all-in-one backlit screen and LED display for quick State Emissions readiness check and drive cycle verification Inc… |
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OBD2 ABS CAN Scan Tool-EPI3160 Features and Benefits: Diagnoses Check Engine light problems on all 1996 and newer vehicles Reads ABS codes on most 1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles Read, record and displays live data All in one backlit blue screen shows 25 pieces of info at one time Comes with access to optional canobd2 repair solution The INNOVA® 3160 ABS Plus CanOBD2® Scan Tool diagnoses all check engine ligh… |
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INNOVA 3160B ABS/SRS+ Professional CanOBDII Diagnostic Code Scanner with Enhanced Live Data $197.01 Diagnoses Check Engine light problems on all 1996 and newer vehicles Reads ABS codes on most 1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles Read, record and displays live data All in one backlit blue screen shows 25 pieces of info at one time Comes with access to optional canobd2.com repair solutionThe INNOVA® 3160 ABS Plus CanOBD2® Scan Tool diagnoses all check engine lights on 1996 and newer O… |
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INNOVA 3030 Diagnostic Code Reader for OBDII Vehicles $128.06 Read trouble codes in a snap. See product details Designed to empower vehicle owners when it comes to maintenance, the Innova 3030 Diagnostic CarReader is the perfect entry-level tool for quickly revealing the cause of “Check Engine” light warnings on any 1996 and newer car, light truck, or SUV–foreign and domestic. The tool features a unique, patented all-in-one screen and a 3 color… |
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Automotive Computer Codes (Haynes Manuals) $11.54 Computer controlled car repair made easy with simple do-it-yourself diagnosis, easy access to on-board computer trouble codes, and complete & easy to understand code charts for all models. Includes diagnostic tools, explanation of manufacturers’ warranties, fundamentals of electronic engine management systems, component checking and replacement procedures, and is fully illustrated with over 350 ph… |
