This review is based on my limited use of the unit.
I did find the information such as engine temperature, RPM, MPG, speed and few other details informative and helpful. Although the car's instruments have some similar details, it is good to have the confirmation. The MPG information is most valuable. This information keeps me from having a `lead foot' and wasteful. In a way, it guided me the step on the gas lightly. On a recent 300 mile trip the MPG reading `cautioned me to be light footed with the gas pedal'.
On the wish list, it would be nice if the case had some provision to for better mounting other than the supplied Velcro. Under certain conditions while using the Velcro, the unit may vibrate very slightly which makes viewing unpleasant. A suction cup holder similar to the ones used for GPS navigators may be a better option since it is a more solid attachment.
The only negative is the brightness and contrast. On bright sunny day while driving with sun glasses it is difficult to see the display even after changing to the various color options. I may need do some more testing with this.
As with any similar easily removable device, better be safe than sorry and remove the unit when using valet parking.
Over all I am pleased.
This product is a great addition to a vehicle that is not equipped with instrumentation to observe the parameters offered by this product. However, one must work with the directions to set up the product's ability to compute miles per gallon. This is not a negative comment. The product is clever in that it uses other measurements that do not directly measuring fuel consumption. Even if you don't calibrate it to the last mpg, you quickly see the results of your driving style and it gives you an opportunity develop a driving style that can improve your mileage.
My brother bought a ScanGauge II. After listening to him rave about it through the duration of several of our weekly phone calls I finally broke down and bought one for myself.
On my Mini Cooper S, there were several questions on my mind with regard to engine parameters and how they matched with my driving style. A good example is coolant temperature which tells me how far I need to drive to reach full operating temperature (very short trips are bad for cars) .. and .. how far I should drive before taking full advantage of everything this engine has to offer. But also, for various reasons I wanted to monitor manifold pressure, engine load, and ignition timing. One thing I very much appreciated was being able to set this nifty piece of technology up in a manner that allowed me to monitor all four of these parameters at one time.
Now with all those questions having been answered to my satisfaction I've switched to using it primarily as a trip computer.
My car does much of what this does (If I don't mind giving up my digital speedometer readout to see the various parameters), but with this I can monitor a bunch of driving parameters for .. this trip .. today's driving .. yesterday's driving .. and .. "this tank of gas". One feature I especially like is being able to monitor the gasoline cost at any point in time .. or .. see what the cost of gas was for each of those various trips I made throughout the week (when it was time for gas, After filling the tank, I told it how big my tank is and what the final price on the pump was. It takes that information and provides real time calculation from there.
And finally .. I found the perfect place to mount it and to run the wiring. Mounting and connecting it was really quite easy .. See photo.
I bought the scan gauge for my new Smart Car to monitor gas mileage. However, you have to make adjustments to the gauge with every fill-up. For example - how much gas you put in versus how much gas the gauge thought you put in - as well as price per gallon if you want to track that info (which I can see having to do). It does install easily and gives you a wealth of info at the touch of a finger. Have not been able to adjust exactly the lght display color to match the dash lights but it is close enough.
Outstanding little gadget
This device has really made a difference, I was able to determine which driving habits burned the most gas (with as little as a fraction of an inch on the accelerator), and I was able to move my mpg from 30-32mpg to 36-42mpg. It really makes you aware of your driving style's impact. Top props to anyone purchasing this, it took seconds to install and works like a champ. Note: make sure you have an OBD2 port to use this.
Programmable 3-in-1 automotive trip computer, diagnostic scan tool, and up to 37 digital gauges in one (vehicle dependent)
Watch fuel consumption, cost-per-mile, coolant temperature, engine speed, horsepower, and much more in real time
Works on all 1996 or newer OBDII cars, including gas, diesel, propane and hybrid vehicles
Checks for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), clears the codes, and can turn off the "Check Engine" light
No tools required for installation, small size fits nearly anywhere in the vehicle
based on 112 reviews
