Let me tell you why this scanner became my new best friend. As a VW owner who's tired of dealership prices, the AUTOPHIX 7610P+ is like having a mechanic in your pocket. The first time I plugged it into my Golf, I was shocked by how much data it revealed - way beyond those basic $20 scanners.

The GOOD stuff first: This thing reads EVERYTHING. Engine codes? Check. Transmission issues? Yep. Even caught an intermittent airbag sensor problem my local shop missed. The battery registration feature alone saved me $150 at the dealership when I replaced my battery. Oil reset? Done in 30 seconds. The screen is massive compared to cheap scanners, and menus are surprisingly intuitive.

Real-world win: When my ABS light came on, it not only identified the faulty wheel sensor but walked me through the reset process after replacement. The live data streaming showed exactly when the sensor was failing during a test drive.

Now the NOT-SO-GOOD: It's definitely pricier than basic scanners (but pays for itself fast). The manual could be clearer - I had to YouTube some functions. Also, while it worked perfectly on my VW and friend's Audi, the Porsche compatibility is hit-or-miss as some users noted.

Pro tip: Update the firmware immediately - it unlocked extra features for my model year. And yes, it really does lifetime free updates unlike some subscription-based competitors.

Final verdict? If you own a VW, Audi, Skoda or Seat and want to DIY repairs/maintenance, this is absolutely worth the investment. Just be prepared for information overload - this thing digs DEEP into your car's systems. 9.5/10 (would be 10/10 with better documentation).