The Carista OBD2 adapter is a cheap and reliable OBD2 scan tool built for car owners, DIYers, and beginner mechanics. The scan tool works just like the BAFX 34t5 Scanner. It is very easy to use and very portable. You don’t need to connect a cable in order to detect why the check engine light as it is a Bluetooth adapter. Simply download the Carista app and start diagnosing and customizing your car. Read this Carista obd2 review to know more about this obd2 scanner.
The Carista OBD II adapter features Bluetooth connectivity, Paid app features, and an adapter. It comes with a one-month trial of paid Caritas app features. Carista (check price) is also compatible with some of the popular car brands, such as Lexus, VW, Toyota, Scion, and Mini. Also, the scanner is ideal for Audi and BMW. It also supports Android and iOS devices.
Carista Wireless OBD2 Review in 2023
Read on to find out more about the Carista OBD2 adapter and how it will help you to read and erase error codes.
Technical Specifications
| Works: | iOS and Android via Bluetooth |
| TPMS, ABS/VSC/TRAC, Airbag: | Yes |
| Check Engine Light: | Yes |
| Service Reset: | Yes |
| Launch Control Counter: | Yes |
| EPB retraction tool: | Yes |
| Detailed ECU information: | Yes |
| Weight: | 1.44 ounces |
| Dimensions: | 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.6 inches |
| Free Trial: | 1-month free trial of all paid functionality in the Carista app |
| Supported On Certain Models: | Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mini, Scion, Toyota, VW, etc… |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Page Contents
Wireless connectivity
You don’t need to connect this device with a cable as it is a wireless scan tool. Simply plug it into the OBD2 port and connect it using Bluetooth. It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Compatible with different apps
Even though Carista recommends users use the Carista app, you can as well as link it to other popular apps such as dash, OBD2 Fusion, Engine, Torgue, Trackaddict, Reachron, and Dashcommand.
Related article: Check the in-depth feature comparison between Bluedriver and Fixd Bluetooth scanners
Wide vehicle coverage
It covers some of the most popular cars made, which include BMW, VW, Toyota, Audi, Scion, Lexus, and Mini. Hence, before you purchase this adapter, you need to find out if it is compatible with your car.
Wide range of functions
This OBD2 adapter is not your ordinary scan tool. This is because it can read, erase, and check fault codes. Apart from that, the software interfaces with the factory settings on many modern vehicles. As a result, you can change how your locks, lights, buzzers, mirrors, and beeps function.
Clear display
After you install the Carista app on your phone, you will find out that it is easy to use and very clear. Therefore, you won’t have any problem understanding the results displayed on your device’s screen.
Free software
The manufacturer offers the user a free one-month trial. After on-month, you will have to pay for the app in order to continue using it.
Affordable
Since the device is sold at a very low price than Fixd professional Bluetooth scan tool, this means that you will get to save some cash spent visiting the mechanic. In the long run, you will benefit a lot as both time and money will be saved.
Easy to use the device
This is a plug-and-play device. It comes with a 1-month free trial of all paid functionality in the Carista app. With the free trial, you will be able to read error codes but not erase them. For more functions like erasing the codes, you will have to acquire the paid app version.
Compact and lightweight
At a weight of 1.6 ounces, this is a very lightweight device. It also measures 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.6 inches. This means that it is very compact and very easy to use or even sore.
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Pros:
- Compatible with several car brands
- The wireless connection makes it be convenient to use
- The Carista app is free for both iOS and Android devices
- Easy to use and extremely portable
- Performs a wide range of functions
Cons:
- In-app purchases are required before installing the gadget
- It doesn’t cover a lot of car brands as it is only limited to a few vehicle brands
How does the Carista OBD2 adapter work?
The Carista Bluetooth adapter is very easy to use. Simply plug in the OBD2 adapter in the OBD2 port, which is normally beneath the dashboard. Then, link up the app to the car, and everything will connect automatically. Finally, go ahead and diagnose errors and configure settings as you wish. Carista emphasizes installing its own app instead of third-party apps.
Related article: OBDLink MX VS OBDLink LX: Which one is more advanced?
Comparison Between Carista vs Fixd vs Bluedriver Bluetooth OBD2 Adapter
| Features | Carista | Fixd | Bluedriver |
| Operating System: | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| System Diagnostics: | All systems | ABS, TPMS, Airbag, and Transmission | ABS, Airbag, and Other Manufacturer-specific System |
| Advanced Service Functions: | None | 5+ | None |
| Item Dimensions: | 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches | 1.5 x 0.5 x 1.75 inches | 2.2 x 1.9 x 1 inches |
| Power Source: | Corded Electric | No Battery Needed | Vehicle |
| Weight: | 1.7 ounces | 0.96 ounces | 2.08 ounces |
| Coding: | Yes | No | No |
| Vehicle Coverage: | Audi, Lexus, Mini, Scion, BMW, Toyota, VW, etc… | Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan | GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Honda, Volkswagen |
Bottom line
The Carista OBD2 adapter is not only cheap but very easy to use. All you need to find out is whether the device is compatible with your car make or not and start reaping from its amazing features and functions. It is compact and functions on both iOS and Android devices.
At such a great price, you will get to reset your oil service light, check your launch control, read and erase check engine light, and customize the comfort & convenience features of your vehicle. I hope this Carista obd2 review will help you a lot.
FAQ
Question: Does this scan tool allow you to do maintenance reminders based on mileage?
Answer: No, it doesn’t. This is because there is no such functionality in the app at the moment. But what the Bluetooth adapter does is reset your service and inspection indicators on supported Audi or VW, car models. Also, you should note that it doesn’t adjust the intervals, but it just resets the counters to zero. For instance, it is vital when you’ve just performed the relevant service. To get all these features, you have to buy a professional scanner like Autel TS601.
Question: Does this scan tool feature a specific refresh rate?
Answer: No, it doesn’t. Some users say it has a refresh rate of 30 Hz, while others say it has 3-5 Hz refresh rate. But this solely depends on what you’re performing, the type of app you’re using, and the type of vehicle. Since the Carista app doesn’t provide live data, there is no official metrics on the refresh rate.
MAIN DETAILS OF THIS DEVICE
You can be 100% sure that this device will work with the Carista OBD2 app on Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch excluding iPad 2). OBD2 is capable of reading codes and resetting for free (this suits ALL 1996 and newer brands and models (US)). It can also do diagnostics (ABS, airbag, etc.) that costs money. Also, it can establish vehicle settings for models of Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mini, Scion, Toyota, and VW (supplementary in-app acquisition required). This adapter is reconcilable with other ELM327-based apps on Android and OBD Fusion on iOS. Utilizes Bluetooth 4.0 LE on iOS, reconcilable with Bluetooth 2.1 on Android. Needs iOS 8 or Android 2.3 or newer. It doesn’t work with iPad 2. But you need to purchase the app separately as it is not free like Launch CRP129 automotive diagnostic scan tool.
DEFINITION
You will be able to see every little detail about the electronics in your car by using Carista app with the Carista OBD2 adapter. You will not have to worry about errors and warning lights on your dashboard because you will have the ability to check what’s wrong just by yourself. Another great thing about this device is that you can do electronic diagnostics with it. By doing that, you’ll save money. Verify and reset OBD2 and brand-specific error codes in all ECUs in the car, and this involves ABS, airbag, etc. Common OBD2 scanner apps cannot approach those modules, but Carista definitely can do it!
IMPORTANT: It is not a professional diagnostics tool. Common OBD2 diagnostics (engine, transmission) will not cost a thing in the Carista app, but you will have to pay for brand-specific diagnostics (ABS, airbag, etc.) The specific diagnostics are only available on particular models by Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mini, Scion, Toyota, and VW.
More complex diagnostic in the Carista app is only reconcilable with particular vehicle models by Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mini, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, and VW. The Carista OBD adapter is reconcilable with these apps:
- Carista OBD2 app on iOS and Android
- OBD Fusion app on iOS and Android
- All ELM327-reconcilable apps on Android/Windows/Mac that use a Bluetooth connection
Why should you buy it?
- Simple installation process
- Bluetooth obd2 scanner – no wires
- Simple to adjust car settings
- Works as promoted
- Reasonably priced
- This adapter works with iOS over Bluetooth. This gives iPhones and newer iPads the possibility to connect without interrupting the WiFi connection.
Minor Setbacks
- After buying the adapter, you have to spend some dollars for the Pro app to make corrections
- It can have difficulty with the connection (very rare occasions)
- It cannot check data like vehicle speed, engine RPM, or ignition timing (you need to pay for an app called “OBD Fusion”)
Conclusion
Taking care of your car has never been easier! You will be surprised how easy it is to use this OBD2 Adapter. It will help to review and clear engine codes, customize some settings, make electronic diagnostics, etc. There will be no need to search for professional help. The tool offers an affordable price, even less costly than Bluedriver Obd2 tools. This cheap device will help you to save money and time and leave you satisfied.
Still, have a question after reading this Carista obd2 review? Comment below.