Inherited grandpa's "car collection" - need best obd2 scanner with abs and srs to assess what's salvageable

Question

So my grandfather passed last month and left me his "collection" of 5 vehicles ranging from 1998-2007 (2 Fords, 1 Dodge, 1 Chevy truck, 1 Lexus). Problem is they've been sitting in his rural property for years with minimal maintenance. I'm no mechanic but want to figure out which ones are worth restoring vs which are parts cars vs complete junk. Multiple warning lights on all of them. Regular repair shops quoted $125-180 PER VEHICLE just for diagnostics which would blow my entire budget before even starting repairs. Need a scanner that can handle multiple American brands plus the Lexus, and definitely needs ABS and SRS capabilities since these are safety issues. Insurance won't cover vehicles with active airbag warnings. Zero experience with these tools - what's worth buying that can handle multiple makes/models? I'm overwhelmed with options

Rthxvbjjj · Answer

Restored 30+ barn finds over past decade and scanners only scratching surface. Those vehicles sitting 5+ years guaranteed got varnished fuel lines, dry-rotted vacuum hoses, seized calipers, and corroded grounds that no code reader will flag. Buddy spent $300 on fancy scanner just to miss rodent nest in air plenum that caused random stalling. Start with basics: fresh fluids, visual inspection, battery load test BEFORE getting excited about whatever codes pop up

crjnbyf · Answer

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THE CHEAP AMAZON SPECIALS! They claim "universal compatibility" then fail to read half the systems. Bought three different sub-$100 units before finally investing in quality. Expensive lesson

o4em · Answer

Different manufacturers use different communication protocols especially for safety systems. Ford's abs codes need different scanner capabilities than lexus. Multi-manufacturer compatibility = key feature you need

Skidrow · Answer

grandfather left you vehicles but no tools? kinda sus. check his garage thoroughly - might find the scanner he used along with maintenance records. old-school guys document everything

AAU · Answer

Invested in the Autel MaxiCOM MK808 after inheriting dad's project cars. Handles Ford, Dodge, Chevy AND Toyota/Lexus systems no problem. Even pulls transmission codes the cheaper ones miss. Not cheap but saved thousands in diagnostic fees across multiple vehicles

Warman · Answer

Vehicles sitting that long? Check for rodent damage first. Mice love chewing ABS sensor wires which will trigger warnings no scanner will fix. Inspect thoroughly before wasting time on diagnostics

overtip · Answer

Inheritance like this is blessing and curse. Sentimental value makes you keep money pits while logical choice would be sell as-is. Been there with father's "collection"