I'm seriously thinking of getting one for myself but what a minefield !!!
My car as you can see is a 2000 (2001 model) XKR.

I'm just about to upgrade my phone (currently iPhone) so will probably go with Android just so I can get a decent scanner/software. But that begs the question, if I get one with a screen already in it, I wont need Android app? Or do I have this totally wrong? Is there anything available for Apple?

I saw you guy's list of reccomended scanners but the support for my model/year seems to be a bit thin on the ground.

I do have the amber engine light currently on but with no aparrent issues as per other thread.

Any comments / advice / info would be gratefully received.

 

I'd stick to the one I recommended in your previous thread.
The Torque app give lots of live data.

 

The Elm327 scanner is cheap and popular.

 

If you have an Android, Torque with a $20 ELM 327 Bluetooth plug-in from ebay is a fantastic bargain.

For the iPhone, check out the Kiwi: PLX Kiwi 2 Wifi | OBD2 OBDII iPhone

 

I love the look of the Kiwi.. be so cool with iPad as well. Love to speak to anyone who has go it and had actually used it.

 

Yep probably going to go this way if I get Android. Cheers.

 

I use the original Kiwi Bluetooth paired with a Toshiba Thrive tablet with the Torque Pro Android app. Works well for me.

 

Does the Kiwi have as much functionality at Autoingenuity software?

 

I would recommend you get the BAFX adapter instead of the little blue ELM327 found on eBay. I returned it after realizing it could not scan Ford's and the bluetooth distance was crap. The BAFX adapter was able to read my neighboor's Expedition and it has a much greater reach. I think I paid about $25 bucks for it.

Bluetooth OBD 2 Reader / Scanner for Android phones, tablets & Laptops

 

Every time that I see a post from p-Rock it makes my day. May God bless the lady in the Jaguar bikini.

 

I second the Android app (Torque). I use a bluetooth OBD reader like the ELM (I forget what the brand of mine is - some cheap Chinese one I found online).

It picks up most (but maybe not all) of the codes and if I want I can drive with the thing in place and use the app with several different gauges displayed.

 

RSSteveh,
I don't know if it's just peculiar to my car, but, people with Apple phones can not use them in my 2002 XKR. It's not that I don't permit them to, it's that there is some kind of interference that emanates from the engine that doesn't allow a good signal to the I-phones, and you can't carry on a conversation. I vote Android.

 

tberg - this is interesting. Do you mean that people have difficulty using the iPhone as a 'phone' under normal circumstances, that is making calls etc? I use my iPhone in the Jag whenever I'm in it. But I live and work round central London where my (vodafone) signal is nothing short of perfect. I experience no interference at all.

What I would love to see or hear, or read here is from anyone using the kiwi with the ipad/software. If I knew for sure that worked I'd go for it. But more or less £150 laid out to find it doesnt work would kind of P*** me off.

I'm getting my own codes read this coming Friday and will take a decision after that. I have to change my phone and I have to make a decision on a reader. I'm quite liking the look of the Galaxy S4 available from end of month if I go Android route. If I go Apple I already have iPad which can be used with kiwi etc. Need to hear some positive reports though before I lay out that cash.

 

I was just thinking the same

 

Yeah I hear that - you know the Kiwi 2 is wireless rather than Bluetooth - which to me is prolly a plus?

 

No it doesn't. Can't read ABS codes.

 

Wow, just noticed the car in that photo. It's nice, too.

 

My car should have an OBDiII port right as opposed to OBD1? I've practically decided on the Kiwi with either android or iPad software just making sure of basics and I don't have the car manuals with me (they are in London and I am in the country at Gatwick).

 

1996 and newer are OBDII.

 

After 4 attempts to find a scanner for XJR , had Autel 509 cause major problems , one unit did not fit , another did not read etc I purchased BAFX's ELM unit as recomended by this forum.
Plugged right in . However came with introductory Scantool software cd {2006 version} that BAFX did not understand
Spent time locating distributor for Scan Tool { Palmer Motor Engineering} but i the mean time found Touch Scan who offered free 14 day trial followed by purchase for $34.95 complete software.
Purchased and installed software. Great inquiry response from TouchScan reps {even on a Saturday night}
Ran it today on Lenovo lap top operating with windows 7.
Results were very impressive . Found 11 faults and gave details . Now i have to interpret details .
Conclusion:
For $60.00 {both items] I have a great tool despite the troubles finding this combo .
Highly recomend to "newbies " like me BAFx elm 327 and Touchscan Software.