Ross tech vs Chinese eBay VAG CAN pro??

**maquino** · 08-06-2019 07:38 PM

Can anyone tell me the difference between the $200 hex-v2 enthusiast from Ross tech and this $29 cable+software off eBay? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F13 3101262261

**Theiceman** · 08-06-2019 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by maquino

Can anyone tell me the difference between the $200 hex-v2 enthusiast from Ross tech and this $29 cable+software off eBay? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F133101262261

No idea but it us likely counterfeited, shit, or both

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**Nano909** · 08-06-2019 10:09 PM

Ross Tech VCDS = Audi
Chinese knockoffs = Ford Pinto

Do it right the first time and get the real thing. Don't skip corners, especially in an Audi.

**Zodiam** · 08-07-2019 02:02 AM

No clue on the chinese copies, but i also did not want to spend the money for VCDS so i can recommend OBDeleven instead: https://obdeleven.com/en/

Has done everything i needed it to yet..error codes, service reminders, the brake job thing for the rears, coded in AMI/AUX/BT, needle sweep and your other various vagcom mods, etc.

**flowhigh** · 08-07-2019 02:45 AM

If you go through the proper channels there are cables that work just like the real thing.

On a side note, I personally don't think vcds is worth the money if you have a B8.5. Still better than a generic obd scanner.

**Audi 4 Life** · 08-07-2019 02:46 AM

Originally Posted by flowhigh

If you go through the proper channels there are cables that work just like the real thing.

On a side note, I personally don't think vcds is worth the money if you have a B8.5. Still better than a generic obd scanner.

How can you say it's not worth the money they instantly pay for themselves?

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**flowhigh** · 08-07-2019 02:56 AM

I've had vagcom for several platforms. It isn't the same tool for the B8.5. There are other tools out there that are more user friendly and priced competitively.

**Audi 4 Life** · 08-07-2019 03:15 AM

How is it not the same tool the software is the same its vcds, I own a B8 and it's no different.

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**flowhigh** · 08-07-2019 03:24 AM

Like I said. I own the 8 POINT FIVE.

All that matters is that you like it. That's fine.

**Audi 4 Life** · 08-07-2019 03:27 AM

Originally Posted by flowhigh

Like I said. I own the 8 POINT FIVE.

All that matters is that you like it. That's fine.

I understand that still dont see how it's different 8.5 is facelift it's the same car. I have several modules in my car out of 8.5.

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**misiak** · 08-07-2019 04:15 AM

I used to have a chinese knock of cable I used on my 2002 TDI jetta, it worked for reading codes and diagnostics but you could not do any coding with it. I also don't remember if I was able to clear codes or not with it. I was also using the lite version of VCDS.

**rcprato** · 08-07-2019 04:39 AM

I have Ross-Tech cable that been using for years, current cars are 09 A4 and 11 Touareg and functionality with these platforms is great. Will be disappointing if they have lost ability to interface with newer VAG platforms because it is a very valuable tool for DIY’ers like myself and has saved me a lot of money over the years in diagnostic fees and repairs

**snaky69** · 08-07-2019 04:52 AM

Originally Posted by flowhigh

Like I said. I own the 8 POINT FIVE.

All that matters is that you like it. That's fine.

I'm not sure what you're trying to argue about here. The VCDS software will work just as well on a b8 than a b8.5. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "it isn't the same tool"? Same cable, same software, same modules that are code-able. How is it any different?

**hpmurdarah** · 08-07-2019 06:54 AM

I’ve owned both and the Chinese knockoff will work for clearing codes and minor(very minor) coding if any at all, nothing compares to vcds, BUT u car also get Carista app if ur doing basic things also, I own all 3 I don’t use the Chinese knock off blue cable any more never really did, vcds is the best way to go!

Sent from a place far far away!!

**Audi 4 Life** · 08-07-2019 12:37 PM

these threads should be straight forward so when people find these they don't waste money on cheap china cables.

ROSS TECH ALWAYS

/end thread

**ps2cho** · 08-07-2019 02:20 PM

Buying the knockoff is allowing fraud to continue. If you can’t pay $200 sell the Audi now and buy a Toyota.

MB STAR is NOT available for public use. I think it’s OK to buy Chinese copies on this because there are no legitimate options unless you’re a shop. You have a legit tool for $199 and you want to defraud the original creator? Scummy move.

**Nano909** · 08-07-2019 05:44 PM

Audi drivers are the new Honda owners. Trading quality parts for cheap knock offs to save a buck.

**Buckyoufuddy** · 08-07-2019 06:04 PM

Do you buy 10 cent condoms?

**Theiceman** · 08-07-2019 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by Buckyoufuddy

Do you buy 10 cent condoms?

Is that a thing? I'm on a budget...

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**Novarider** · 08-07-2019 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Theiceman

Is that a thing? I'm on a budget...

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Amazon has them for 20 cents each.

On a serious note, how do you complain about the cost of VCDS? It literally pays for itself the first time you use it.

**Buckyoufuddy** · 08-07-2019 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Theiceman

Is that a thing? I'm on a budget...

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Budget $1,200 a month for 18 years.

**Novarider** · 08-08-2019 02:41 AM

Originally Posted by Buckyoufuddy

Budget $1,200 a month for 18 years.

Is that supposed to be the cost of raising a child? No idea where that number comes from but it's rediculously high. What exactly costs $1200 a month that a child needs?

**mtroxel** · 08-08-2019 05:02 AM

I’ve driven Audis for almost 30 years. I’ve had VCDS for about 15 of those years. The people at Ross Tech used to be very good to me. Nice people. Lately, not so much. But when I see all the people around here try to scam them I can’t blame them for believing the worst. They build the software, and there are open discussions here about buying a Chinese cable to get the software for free!

**rcprato** · 08-08-2019 05:10 AM

Originally Posted by mtroxel

I’ve driven Audis for almost 30 years. I’ve had VCDS for about 15 of those years. The people at Ross Tech used to be very good to me. Nice people. Lately, not so much. But when I see all the people around here try to scam them I can’t blame them for believing the worst. They build the software, and there are open discussions here about buying a Chinese cable to get the software for free!

You make a very good point, the software is free so if you are going to use it buy their hardware or go OBDII or Carista

**Theiceman** · 08-08-2019 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by rcprato

You make a very good point, the software is free so if you are going to use it buy their hardware or go OBDII or Carista

not to be pedantic as i think i know what you meant. The software is not "free" . they have "light " version , ( if that even still exists ) to allow basic tests but the ROSS TECH software is proprietary software that the ROSS TECH purchased dongle unlocks.
The only reason i bring this up as some justify the theft to themselves by saying the software is " free" anyway .

**rcprato** · 08-08-2019 07:35 AM

Iceman you understood exactly what I meant, I was not as concise as i should have been

**mtwallace85** · 08-08-2019 07:57 AM

You’re technically not paying for the cable. Well, not much, anyways. You’re paying for the license to use the VCDS software. If you’re considering cheap-ing out on something like this, you’re in the wrong car, OP. Sell it and get something more in line with your budget. Like many have said, the cable pays for itself after the first use.

**khj677turbo** · 08-08-2019 08:36 AM

$200, drop in the bucket for literally any sort of service for this car.

Anyone have a dedicated tablet or setup they use for this? My laptop just crapped out and need a new solution.

**Chillaxin** · 08-08-2019 08:52 AM

I used a $20 Vac Can Pro knockoff to copy over component protection when going from 3g MMI to 3G+.

**Novarider** · 08-08-2019 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by khj677turbo

$200, drop in the bucket for literally any sort of service for this car.

Anyone have a dedicated tablet or setup they use for this? My laptop just crapped out and need a new solution.

I've consisted getting a windows tablet that has a USB port.

**misiak** · 08-08-2019 12:11 PM

I use an old laptop that is dedicated to shop music/shop research/VCDS, I just put a solid state drive in it.

**ps2cho** · 08-08-2019 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Nano909

Audi drivers are the new Honda owners. Trading quality parts for cheap knock offs to save a buck.

It’s because too many kids making $25k/yr income think they can afford a brand new German car.

**bb-tt** · 08-08-2019 05:11 PM

"uwe" are an azz if you buy the knock off. The Ross tech has paid for itself many times over. Why try to rip off the developers with a knock off cable that may or may not work?

**Theiceman** · 08-08-2019 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Novarider

Is that supposed to be the cost of raising a child? No idea where that number comes from but it's rediculously high. What exactly costs $1200 a month that a child needs?

My ex wife could tell you

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**Nano909** · 08-08-2019 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by ps2cho

It’s because too many kids making $25k/yr income think they can afford a brand new German car.

We basically own today's Honda Civic now.

**rcprato** · 08-09-2019 05:47 AM

Originally Posted by Nano909

Audi drivers are the new Honda owners. Trading quality parts for cheap knock offs to save a buck.

If you want champagne on a beer budget, don't expect it to taste like champagne..........

I have been wrenching on cars for 40+ years and VW's and Audi since mid 80's, most of my vehicles go past 150K and it is because I buy quality Tier 1 aftermarket or OEM parts when I do repairs

Ross-Tech has a lot of money and time invested into their product, as Audi enthusiasts we should appreciate that we have this great diagnostic tool available to use to avoid going to the dealership for costly repairs we can do ourselves and buy their cable or OBDII or Carista if that is better for your needs and stop buying Chinese knock off products that do nothing to support the Audi enthusiasts community we are all a part of.

Don't get me wrong, a toaster built in China is perfect for my kitchen needs but knock off Chinese products for my German built Audi is not going to fly with me, I learned my leeson getting the door lock actuator off of eBay that did not work even thoughthey list it with the correct Audi P/N, taking the door apart twice and paying for the part twice was a mistake I won't do again, fix it right the first time and use Genuine parts, that is why I have a genuine Ross-Tech cable.

**maquino** · 08-10-2019 10:19 AM

$1200 a month for 18 years Sounds like the cost of a child to me if you’re very cheap and cut them off at 18!

On the lower end, really. I have two. :/ it’s probably $3k+ a month to raise them before they get to kindergarden.

**maquino** · 08-10-2019 10:21 AM

Thanks all for the responses. First of all I have a B8 not 8.5. Second, if and when I buy one it will definitely be the legit Ross tech. Only reason I’m being cheap is because my car is already 10 years old and I’m not sure if I’ll buy another Audi after it. Teslas are really calling to me.

**ducati** · 08-11-2019 06:36 AM

Buy a Ross Tech and your all set.The price of the real deal you get it back quickly if you can trouble shoot the item before bringing it to a mechanic.In Canada just to bring the car in to get codes read they charge an hour shop time...