True Toyota Scan Tool
With a background in electronics, computers, and auto repair, I just had to get a true Toyota Scan Tool with "Factory" software. Cost me about as much as a good used car! Did I mention I also have a NGS Star Scan Tool for my Ford F-150 which does a great job.
My personal opinion is this. For Ford products, you will get a lot of use out of their factory scanner. Most non-dealer shops agree that they see more Ford 'engine lights' than any other make. My F-150 engine light stays on all the time because I refuse to clean the lines to and from the EGR frequently-not a fun job. The plugged lines has no effect on anything that I can tell. Therefore, I just read the computer often to make sure no new codes come in and hardly ever get any new codes except a misfire during seasonal changes-no big deal-just clear the code and go on.
MY person opinion on Prius. The technical services manuals are not well written and difficult at best to understand. This is also true with the scan tool and related manuals. For the most part, you must figure out everything yourself. Good useful Toyota information is available online for an expensive price. Tech Support. ( Dealers have it, of course! ) Therefore I don't recommend anyone getting a scan tool at all for the Prius. My 2005 has 14 computers and the scan tool can access all 14 but little or no useful related technical material is not good. I recently purchased a SmartKey and programmed it for my Prius. The key works the ignition but will not program the doorlocks. I can start and drive the car but cant lock or unlock it! Go figure. I have plently of time to play, so I will figure it out one day.
One last note. Not all scanners are alike. There are Toyota Brand Scanners with firmware thay blocks some programming functions. Wow.
The real test is try the scanner before buying it or get it from someone who knows Toyotas and scanners. I am not sure what I have, but I paid almost $4K so I believe I have all the features, but not sure since I can't program the doorlocks.