Yeah, for a one-man shop, it’s not ideal. It’s worth mentioning that the “scan tool subscription” has been the case for over 20 years, long before embedded modems came along. It helps the manufacturers pay for development of the tool (millions of dollars in cost, often to a supplier like Bosch), and eventually becomes another profit center. Don’t take that as my endorsement, just relaying the facts.

There are also generic diagnostic tools that have 9/10 of the capability for less investment. That’s how smaller independent shops usually do it. One universal tool for most things, and possibly a few manufacturer tools for their most commonly serviced brands. However, with the increasing software complexity and increasing frequency of module updates, I expect they’ll raise prices as well.

It will take years for the independent service environment to adapt to all the changes we’re seeing, from this to electrification to autonomy. Almost none of the independent shops are equipped to service modern technology, and those that don’t invest soon will be relegated to replacing basic parts like suspension and brakes. And as oil changes become a thing of the past, businesses will close. The industry is in for quite a ride between now and 2030.