Professional vs DIY Automotive Service and Repair Information: Which is Best?

[spelunkerd]

A couple of years ago Alldata did a phase shift where the DIY version was upgraded to include color interactive wiring diagrams, etc, but it came at a steep price increase (~3X). That works if you only own the car for a year or two. But for those expecting to own it for many years, the ebay hard copy of the dealers manual is far more cost effective. Of course you lose TSB's and updates when you do that. Nice review, Chad!

[jontnoneya]

THANK YOU! This is incredibly helpful. I'm just getting into working on my car and it's almost 3 decades newer than ones I used to work on. I'll be honest, I'm quite intimidated by all the new tech and was looking for more info. This is really encouraging as I'm having trouble finding a good paper manual. I may take on more challenging work that used to intimidate me. Thanks again.

[joshgarver]

You can right click on any link and choose to open in a new tab or in a new. Better than bookmarking in my opinion 👍

[weldingjunkie]

Nice job on the video- right now Mitchell is offering 6 mo at $99 a month for the pro version. You need a business to sign up but great price.

[chiparooo]

Very informative for the diyer! Thanks for taking the time to share!

[bolognablake]

Great video. You are correct about alldata's new site is much more useful and similar to the professional site. The DIY site didn't have the rewritten diagrams and the links weren't interactive.

[bernardaflores]

Thanks for making this video, it really clarifies some of the questions that I been having regarding these services.

[ChiefDLK]

They upgraded the DIY Prodemand to be just like the pro version now. Also, the manual does say to pull the heads off. It was on the next page step number 1. That is the factory OEM manual and it always has the criteria for the job.

[bartscave]

thanks! I use the alldatadiy a lot for a fleet shop where we don't see a lot of different vehicles. I didn't know identifix had a diy version. I also find the Mitchell diy version hard to navigate.

[benz]

Thank you very much for sharing this information, I have been using this platform for a year and it has been very useful, I did not know some functions, greetings champion

[NextLevelAutoDiagnosticsLLC]

Very helpful video Chad. I have always wondered what the differences were since pricing varies, but your info confirms it.

[ahmadghosheh]

Data is data, it's all about presentation. I am software developer and web developer. How you present and manage the information presented can make a friendly, useful, and enjoyable experience or crap. What I like to see from these is an semi pro DIY where I can buy a subscription with choice for up to 5 cars for example or 10 cars at a discounted price. For example $10 a car for 5 cars. I don't have a shop but do a lot of repairs, mostly for free just have the customer buy parts and mostly the same cars. I don't want to pay $450 a month but

[highlandermachineworks]

Now if you would only be able to compare aftermarket scan tools. Like the Launch or Autel or even OTC's versions.
Thats would make my day.
No that this didn't. This video was very well done and I'm going to follow your recommendations.
Thanks

[JoeCnNd]

At my library we used to have all data, but only inside the library. They got rid of that this year but it still has Chilton online, and it works decently. You don't have to be at the library either, just logged into your account to use.

[ckennedy]

All Data seems to be having major issues. Tried to get a single vehicle subscription and their website captcha kept malfunctioning, so I waited a few days and got a subscription to go through only to be denied access to anything but my account page which only linked to their access denied page. Good stuff.

[terrythurman]

Is there a multi year option for the DIY Identifix? I am showing only $25 per month. Thanks for the video!

[rj]

I have a Mini Cooper. AllDATA DIY doesn't have BMW/MINI whereas Mitchell 1 DIY does. In addition, Mitchell 1 DIY now also has interactive circuit diagrams.

[theautomotivedoctormr.wils]

Have found OE diagrams on Mitchell, by clicking on component on blue lettering . Scroll through on right, choose diagrams in this box . You will find some OE drawings, in that selection . As I said not all, some just bring back to the redrawn . Suspicion would be, not all available but many are .

[williamburroughs]

I tried alldataDIY. There wasn’t a procedure or process for simple brake bleeding of a particular vehicle I was working. It was only available in PRO. To me I think DYI for the money per year being paid is somewhat misleading and should include that. Anyone should be able to do that. Now I know ABS systems it isn’t all that simple you do need a bi-directional tool to bleed the ABS system but if you just replace a caliper or wheel cylinder. That should be in there for someone to do. Luckily I was able to refund my subscription and got my money back. Pro is around $1, 800+ per year. Not a fan of all data and was excited to try it but in the end disappointed. If you can find an actual manual for whatever vehicle it’s worth it paying $100 or so for it. At least you own it and no subscriptions.

[bellybell]

Aftermarket professional service info is the best, or/and sometimes OEM service info is good also can be way more helpful than aftermarket.