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Advice on buying Techstream

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Limey Geoff, Apr 21, 2021.

  1. Limey Geoff

    Limey Geoff Junior Member

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    Hello from the UK. I have been watching and learning from the experts here for a while. I have a 2018 Auris which is really a Gen 3 in a posh frock. No problems but I want to get familiar with Techstream for the future when I do my own maintenance.
    I'm looking at a Mini VCI on ebay, are there any pitfalls or particular versions I should aim to get?
    Here's one I'm looking at (not the cheapest but I'd rather get a decent one)

    For Toyota Lexus & Scion Mini VCI J2534 MVCI Diagnostic Techstream V 16.00.017 | eBay

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #1 Limey Geoff, Apr 21, 2021
  2. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    #2 jzchen, Apr 21, 2021
  3. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    #3 jzchen, Apr 21, 2021
  4. Limey Geoff

    Limey Geoff Junior Member

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    Thanks for reply, it is over twice the price of the next cheapest, but is V16 (as opposed to V15) which is supposed to work on all Windows including 10 plus 32 systems and all models right up to now. So that must be why it's dearer.
    It's from Bulgaria so don't know if that's a concern!

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    #4 Limey Geoff, Apr 21, 2021
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    The hardware is just an interface, the heavy lifting is done by the Toyota Techstream PC only program. It is literally an illegal hack of Toyota's proprietary software that has been made to work without their subscription. As long as you keep it offline. While Toyota has been looking the other way as far as we can tell, many of us use phone apps and bluetooth interfaces instead. You can buy a legal copy for a couple of thousand and subscribe to their software for full function.
     
    #5 rjparker, Apr 21, 2021
  6. Limey Geoff

    Limey Geoff Junior Member

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    So it's important while using the software not to have Internet connection or safest just use an old spare dedicated laptop? That's a good tip!
    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #6 Limey Geoff, Apr 21, 2021
  7. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    This is a good point. Just make sure the VCI you end up purchasing is compatible with your Europe spec car.

    Toyota hasn't looked the other way to be honest. You can pay the $65 USD and download the latest Techstream, disable the clock/countdown to expiration, and it will work. But woe is you if you later pay $65 and try to download the latest version. It won't install, at least not in that computer...

    Ever since I just pay as I need it, (on that different computer)!

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #7 jzchen, Apr 21, 2021
  8. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    These ones usually have some sort of virus, so if you have a good virus scanner or want a dedicated laptop it's whatever suits you.

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #8 jzchen, Apr 21, 2021
  9. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    #9 Grit, Apr 21, 2021
  10. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    After rereading your original post. I recommend you learn from the 2nd link to the tech-info EU site. Then when/if you need the Techstream software and VCI/VIM buy something at that time. It's continually evolving and there are aftermarket companies like Foxwell, Autel, iCarSoft, etc that may interest you as well...

    moto g(7) power ?
     
    #10 jzchen, Apr 21, 2021
  11. AW82

    AW82 Member

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    "Dearer" is a common British term for "more expensive."
     
    #11 AW82, Apr 21, 2021
  12. Limey Geoff

    Limey Geoff Junior Member

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    Ha Ha. I didn't know that one didn't translate! I am jumping the gun with this as hinted above as there's 2 years original guarantee still left, just thought it would be good to be familiar with it before using it in anger. (Brake fluid changes being one use once it's out of the grip of the dealer)
    I've bookmarked the link above to the site as I can see it's full of useful info.


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #12 Limey Geoff, Apr 21, 2021
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