So, I realized something ridiculous today. Despite being a computer/electronics geek and a software developer, the one thing in my car that is impossible for me to work on at the moment is the computer. Because of this, and the fact that I need to pass emissions testing very soon, I am ending up having to spend about $400-500 more in parts and labor at a local garage than I would if I could do the stuff myself. ...seriously, Mazda.. $100 for a rubber air intake shroud? It just has a small split in it, and I would be happy (and I imagine the engine would be fine as well) just sealing it with heatshrink and epoxy. But nooo, it has to be fixed before the computer is cleared or it'll just set it off again. And if I take it home, fix it, and bring it back to have them clear it, they'll charge me again for reading and clearing the computer. Not to mention the Mazda O2 sensors they're using cost almost $100 more than the 3rd party ones..
So, time to end this ridiculousness. I've put it off for far too long, and I wouldn't be paying this if I had bought one sooner (or if I had longer until I need to pass emissions). I need to buy an ODB/II reader/writer. Once my federal tax return comes through I'm going to make the purchase, but unfortunately I don't know much about them. So, I know at least one person on here has one (forgot who...some thread somewhere..), and I'm sure others know enough to make recommendations.
So, ODB/II reader/writer. Recommendations? What should I look for? What should I steer clear of?