When you're thinking about going cheap, you may want to take this into account...
Shareware:
- Cannot do Auto-Scan
- Won't display Text for all Fault Codes
- No Basic Settings (so no TBA, Xenon levelling, etc or checking timing on TDI's)
- No Adaptation Saving (so no changing of locking/lights/horn behavior)
- No Output Tests
- No Tech Support from Ross-Tech
Limitations of 311 and 409 even if Fully Registered:
- No Generic
OBD-II
- Won't work with CAN-Bus vehicles
- Fewer fault code definitions and label files
- No built-in Activation (you'll be limited to a single PC)
- No Advanced Measuring Blocks
- No Direct Access for Adaptation and Basic Setting
- No Acceleration Measurement
- No Automated Service Reset
- No Session Log Capabilities
- No Support for Guided Readiness Scripts
- No Optical Bus Diagnosis
- No Battery/Gateway
Coding/Long
Coding Assistant
- No (Automatic) Updates
- No ECU Mileage Reading (EDC15/16)
- No Support for Windows Vista and Windows 7
...and some more minor things as well.
If you decide to go real...
Directly on the
first VAG-COM/VCDS page in our online shop system you'll find the
US & Canada Application Charts for information regarding which interface will work with North American models and the typical modules supported. Additionally there is the
VCDS World Spec Compatibility Charts for all non-US models.
That should give you straight answers what systems support which models and which are best for your specific vehicle. Since you didn't say which car you want to work on its hard to get into specifics...