Best Single-Make OBD Scan Tools in Australia: iCarsoft V.3 vs Vident i400AU

Looking for a low-cost, powerful OBD scan tool for just one vehicle make? Single-make scanners are a smart option. Instead of paying for multi-vehicle coverage you may never use, these scanners focus on one brand (or a small group) while keeping costs down. In this guide, we compare two of the most popular single-make scan tools in Australia: the iCarsoft MB V.3 and the Vident i400AU.

If you need wider coverage across multiple car makes, check out our Full Systems Scan Tool Buying Guide.

Who Are Single-Make Scan Tools For?

These tools are perfect for:

• DIY vehicle owners who only need coverage for their own car and want to keep costs low.
• Workshops and mobile mechanics specialising in one brand, such as Holden, Toyota, FordAU, or Mercedes Benz.

With both scanners priced around the $300 mark, they usually pay for themselves after just one use by saving you a trip to the dealer or local mechanic.

Deep Dives

iCarsoft MB V.3 — Affordable Brand-Specific Scanner

The iCarsoft MB V.3 is tailored for OBD2 vehicles, covering Mercedes Benz and Sprinter models from ~2006 onwards. It’s easy to use, comes with lifetime free updates, and includes actuation tests for component testing. Coverage is limited to OBD2 vehicles — pre-2006 models are generally not supported in Australia.

• Pros: Very affordable; lifetime updates; brand-specific focus; easy setup.
• Cons: OBD2 only; no option to add more brands; coverage usually stops around 2015/16.

Best for: Mercedes owners or workshops who only need OBD2 coverage.

Vident i400AU — Flexible & More Advanced Functions

The Vident i400AU is one of Australia’s most popular single-make tools. It includes one free make of your choice, with the ability to add up to four more later. This makes it a cost-effective way to start small and expand if needed. Unlike the iCarsoft, the i400AU covers both OBD1 and OBD2, with advanced service functions and actuation tests.

• Pros: OBD1 & OBD2 support; up to 5 makes; 17 service functions; bi-directional.
• Cons: Interface less polished than higher-priced tablets.

Best for: DIYers or workshops who want OBD1 coverage, flexibility, and stronger service function support.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Lowest cost, simple OBD2-only coverage: iCarsoft MB V.3
• Most flexibility & best all-rounder: Vident i400AU

Final Thoughts

Both the iCarsoft MB V.3 and the Vident i400AU are excellent single-make scan tools, each paying for itself after just one or two uses. For most users, the i400AU offers the best long-term value thanks to its OBD1 coverage and option to add more makes. The iCarsoft V.3, meanwhile, is a budget-friendly choice for owners of compatible OBD2 vehicles who want lifetime updates and straightforward diagnostics.

Single Brand Scanners

Comparison tables are for reference only. They demonstrate general functions and features of our products. The compatibility for these functions may vary depending on vehicle's make, model and year. Refer to our function lists or contact us for more information.

*Vident i400 series (i400AU, i440AU, i450AU) and i700 series (i700AU, i710AU and i730AU) have free life time udpates on all the units purchased after 10th of April 2023