Best OBD2 Scanner for VW & VAG (Including Skoda, Audi, & Seat)

When picking out the right OBD2 scanner, you can either get a model that’s designed for one particular brand, or you can get one that will work for a wide selection of makes and models.

This device from Foxwell is one of the latter, meaning that it will be useful for cars that aren’t Volkswagen as well. Let’s see what features and specs it has.

4.5-inch LED Screen

Another element to consider when choosing a scanner is how you can read the obd codes and see the data. In this case, the NT614 is a bit larger than most standard OBD2 models, meaning that it’s much easier to read what’s on the screen.

Considering that you can not only look up codes but monitor live readings (more on that in a second), having a bigger display helps ensure you can follow along easily.

Airbag, Brakes, and Oil Light Reset

With most OBD2 scanners, you can only check on parts of the engine. While this covers the bulk of what happens underneath the hood, some essential systems that aren’t provided include the airbags, brakes, and the oil light.

Fortunately, you can check on and reset all of these warning lights on your dashboard, making the Foxwell NT614 even more versatile and useful for both amateurs and professionals alike.

Live Vehicle Sensors

Although waiting for something to go wrong is the MO of most DIY auto enthusiasts, it’s much better to be proactive about your car’s internal systems.

Thankfully, the NT614 enables you to scan live data while the vehicle is running, which can help detect performance issues before they become an issue.

While you can’t adjust anything through the device, you get more than enough information to know what to do next.

If you like the idea of using a tablet to monitor your car’s health, then you will appreciate what the Autel Maxidas DS808 has to offer. 

Related: Autel Scanners Reviewed - Are they any good?

This system comes with a full suite of services and data tracking, meaning that diagnosing your Volkswagen’s health is never an issue. Here’s what you can do with this device.

Rugged Tablet

One of the primary selling points for this system is that you not only get the scanning tool that plugs into your car, but you also get a tablet with a large LED screen and built-in apps to help you monitor your vehicle.

Not only does the larger surface area make all of the information easier to read, but the housing is rugged so that you can carry it around with confidence.

Multiple Performance Apps

Diagnosing problems with your vehicle requires a bit more than just looking up code numbers.

Autel provides you with a variety of apps that allow you to monitor real-time data and save information for multiple vehicles. Since this scanner is designed for professionals, you can do a lot more with it than other models.

Full-Service Diagnostics

As we mentioned, most OBD2 scanners are rather limited. With the DS808, however, you can truly dig into the vehicle's issues with full on-display data about every little bit.

This way, you can always stay on top of your car’s performance and be proactive about having it run smoothly.

When searching for the best OBD2 scanner for Volkswagen and VAG cars, you can either get something that’s built for professionals or the average user.

In this case, TOAD stands for Total Onboard Auto Diagnostic, and it’s a tool that everyone can use, from beginners to veteran mechanics. Simply put, this is the ultimate OBD2 diagnosis software.

OBD2 and ECU Scanning

If you have a modern Volkswagen, then there are onboard computers that control many of your engine’s systems.

Most standard OBD2 scanners won’t be able to tell you what the computer is saying, meaning that newer cars can miss out on some of these features.

Fortunately, TOAD has you covered, whether you’re driving a Volkswagen or something else.

Adjust Car’s Performance

Not only can you tap into your vehicle’s computer, but you can make adjustments as well. If you want to maximize the performance of your car, you can do so with this system.

Thus, you can keep your Volkswagen running as smoothly as possible for years to come.

Lifetime Updates

One issue that plagues many OBD2 scanners is that they can become obsolete as soon as the codes change. Thus, if you decide to buy a newer vehicle, you’ll have to get another scanner as well.

Fortunately, TOAD will provide updates for all codes and systems for life, so you’ll never have to get another model.

So far, we’ve been looking at OBD2 scanners that were built for a wide range of vehicle makes and models.

However, since this list is the best Volkswagen and VAG cars, it makes sense to buy a scanner that only has those codes inside. This unit from XTool is one such model, which is why we like it.

Specific to VAG Brands

The primary benefit of getting a vehicle-specific scanner is that you can save time trying to locate the right codes. Also, since it’s built for only these brands, you don’t have to worry about anything missing.

Some other generic scanners may not have all of the codes for Volkswagen or Audi, for example, which defeats the purpose.

Monitors Additional Vehicle Systems

One reason we really appreciate this scanner is that you can check on the engine, tire pressure, airbags, and other internal systems.

This sets it apart from other generic models as well because you can monitor everything going on inside your car.

Fast and Easy Scanning

For the most part, OBD2 scanners connect directly to your car’s onboard system. However, if you prefer convenience and versatility, then you might prefer a wireless version instead.

This model from OBDeleven syncs to your smartphone, giving you the power of diagnostics in your hand at all times.

Bluetooth Scanning

Overall, we prefer wireless scanning because it’s so much easier. However, in some cases, you can have trouble connecting, so it’s nice to have a cord as a backup.

This model doesn’t have an analog cable, but it’s more reliable than most, so it should be extra convenient. The other bonus is that you can leave the scanner in at all times.

VA Specific

As we mentioned, having a scanner that is specific to your vehicle is beneficial because you know it’s compatible and it’s up-to-date. In this case, though, it just has codes for Volkswagen and Audi, from 1991 to 2018.

Smartphone Syncing

Checking up on your car from your phone is the ultimate in convenience. Not only can you diagnose problems when a light appears, but this system also enables you to monitor all of your vehicle’s onboard systems (provided it’s recent enough to have an ECU). It works with Android devices, not iPhone.