Carly has established itself as a frontrunner in simplifying complex car diagnostic processes. This compact, pocket-sized device is engineered to gather extensive data – potentially thousands of data points – from your vehicle. It then seamlessly transmits this information to your smartphone via the Carly app, providing you with a comprehensive overview of any detected issues.
Equipped with a powerful 32-bit-ARM processor, the Carly scanner is capable of reading electronic control units across a wide spectrum of vehicles, from a practical VW Polo to a luxury Bentley Mulsanne. Its compatibility extends to virtually any gasoline car manufactured for the European market from 2001 onwards (and from 2004 for diesel vehicles), thanks to the mandatory OBD II port. The core function of any OBD II scanner like the Carly is to facilitate early fault detection, potentially saving car owners significant expenses on future repairs.
Carly distinguishes itself from many other OBD II scanners by incorporating features like a Mileage Check to identify potential odometer fraud. Its appealingly small size and reasonable price point further enhance its attractiveness. When paired with a premium subscription, Carly offers an in-depth diagnostic experience, allowing users to explore their car’s health in detail.
This review of the Carly Scanner is brought to you by Aaron Hussain, a classic car owner and automotive enthusiast. Aaron strongly believes in the importance of preventative maintenance and proactive issue monitoring as essential practices for preserving a vehicle’s longevity, regardless of its age, size, or value.
Verdict: The Carly Scanner is a pocket-sized powerhouse for preventative car maintenance. However, minor app-related issues prevent it from achieving a perfect score.
Score: 4/5
Carly Scanner: Standout Features
User-Friendly Design and Simple Operation
The primary advantage of the Carly OBD2 scanner is its remarkable ease of use. Locate the OBD II port in your vehicle (typically found beneath the steering wheel), plug in the Carly device, and it immediately starts working. The scanner transmits data to the Carly app, which presents the diagnostic information in a clear and understandable format. Forget complicated manuals – Carly prioritizes user-friendliness. While the scanning process duration varies depending on the complexity of a car’s electronic systems, expect an average wait time of around 5 to 10 minutes. Once complete, you can easily navigate the app to identify areas needing attention and clear fault codes as needed.
Mileage Check for Used Car Buyers
A particularly valuable feature of the Carly scanner is its mileage check capability. This function can detect discrepancies in a vehicle’s reported mileage by cross-referencing data from various electronic control units. It effectively identifies instances where the odometer may have been tampered with. During testing, this feature confirmed the accuracy of mileage in the vehicles checked. For anyone in the market for a used car, the Carly Mileage Check offers an invaluable layer of security and transparency.
Broad Vehicle Compatibility
Versatility is a key strength of the Carly Scanner. Since 2004, all cars are mandated to have an OBD II port, ensuring compatibility with a vast majority of vehicles. From everyday cars to high-performance models like an Aston Martin Vulcan or a Shelby Ultimate Aero, the Carly scanner can be used across a wide range. This broad compatibility makes it an intelligent tool to have on hand when test-driving almost any car manufactured in the 21st century.
Carly Scanner: Acceptable Aspects
Data Interpretation and Code Clearing
It’s important to recognize that diagnostic scans may reveal a backlog of fault codes if a vehicle has been previously scanned and codes haven’t been cleared. Effectively managing and interpreting the data is ultimately the user’s responsibility. The Carly scanner provides the information, but users need to discern which issues are critical and require attention. On the positive side, the Carly scanner is thorough and doesn’t omit any detected fault codes.
Pricing Structure and Value Proposition
The pricing model for Carly offers different tiers of features. The base product, priced just over £56, provides core diagnostic capabilities. The Carly Used Car Check is a free feature for all app users with an account. However, the premium subscription pricing is variable, depending on vehicle brand compatibility. For example, unlocking premium features for a Mercedes might cost more than for a Ford. For certain brands like Holden, only the basic package might be available. Prospective buyers should investigate the specific features and pricing applicable to their vehicle make to determine the best value.
Carly Scanner: Drawbacks
Scan Speed Can Be Slow
Given the complexity of modern vehicles with numerous electronic components and modules, the Carly scanner can take a considerable amount of time to complete a comprehensive scan. While technologically justifiable, the wait time, potentially up to ten minutes, can be somewhat frustrating. The scan duration is also vehicle-dependent; scanning a technologically advanced Mercedes S-Class will naturally take longer than a simpler car like a Toyota GT86.
Minor App Quirks
While the Carly app is generally user-friendly, some minor issues were encountered during testing. A persistent feedback pop-up, requiring a minimum character count, interrupted the user experience, particularly during the Used Car Check. Although this pop-up doesn’t affect diagnostic results, it is an unnecessary annoyance. Additionally, an inaccuracy was found in the car selection menu – the Audi RS2 was incorrectly listed as being manufactured between 2000 and 2005. These minor app issues, while not critical, detract slightly from the overall polished user experience.
New Carly Features Enhance Functionality
New Carly Community Feature
Launched in November 2024, the Carly Community is a new platform feature designed to complement the diagnostic tool. This online forum allows users to connect with certified mechanics and other car owners of the same make and model to share questions and receive advice. Users select their vehicle details, categorize their issue, describe symptoms, and then post their query to the community. The forum also allows users to browse existing queries and responses. The Carly Mechanic responses appear to provide relatively detailed and helpful insights into potential issues. While the Carly Community can be a valuable resource for gaining insights and narrowing down potential problems, it should not replace a professional, in-person inspection by a trusted mechanic.
Repair Cost Calculator Feature
Introduced in August 2024, the Repair Cost Calculator is another valuable addition to the Carly ecosystem. This feature estimates potential repair costs for various car issues. Users can input data from a Carly scan for more precise estimations. Alternatively, users can manually input their vehicle make, model, and symptoms. The calculator then provides a tiered list of possible issues and associated repair costs, including estimated labor time. In a test using a 2014 BMW 5-Series with a squeaky brake issue, the calculator provided surprisingly informative results, with cost estimates ranging from £200 to £2,000 across four potential issues. Currently, the Repair Cost Calculator is not integrated into the app, which would be a beneficial improvement. Despite this, it serves as a useful companion tool to the Carly scanner, although the accuracy of its cost estimations is yet to be fully assessed.
Alternative OBD2 Scanners to Consider:
While Carly is a strong contender, several alternative OBD2 scanners are worth considering:
- TOPDON Topscan OBD2 Scanner, RRP £69.99
- Autel OBD2 Code Reader, RRP £29.99
- Bosch Automotive Tools OBD 1150 Trilingual Scan Tool, RRP £87.78
Carly Scanner Testing Methodology:
The Carly Scanner’s performance was evaluated across a range of vehicles to assess its versatility. Testing focused on the app’s user-friendliness and the ease of connecting and disconnecting the scanner. The testing process did not include repairing or clearing diagnostic messages.
Reviewer:
This Carly Scanner review was conducted by Aaron Hussain, a proponent of preventative maintenance for vehicles. As a classic Mercedes owner, Aaron found the Carly system aligned well with his approach to vehicle care, particularly for modern daily drivers.
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