what is best scanner for retired mechanic that will work on newer car

are most new car need a flashing programmer laptop

While Flashing is, increasingly, necessary with today's cars, it is not necessary for diagnostic purposes.

What scanner is the best? I have only used the Snap On MODIS and the Snap On Verus. Both have a 4 channel Lab scope and Snap On's Guided Component Test, which has some, really, useful info. The main difference between the MODIS and the Verus is that the Verus is Windows XP based. As such, it has internet capabilities.

The new Snap On ZUES just came out so, I imagine the market will, soon, be flooded the older models.

Even used, though, Snap On's products can be a bit pricey. There are other capable scanners out there, too. I just can't tell you about them.
I'm sure some others will be chiming in with their opinions on other products.

The real question is what are you looking to accomplish. Bi directional controls, basic code reading, abs, multiple car lines or a couple car lines.
If you are only working on a couple different car lines or a single I would go with auto enginuity. Another good option is autel. I use a MS906

It really depends on how much you want to spend and what brands you are going to be working on for broad coverage at lower price than Snap On look at Launch or Autel They do products at various price points and capabilities.
I recently added a Launch
For US domestic look at Auto Enginuity, there are also various softwares dedicated to one brand such as Forscan for Fords.

From when I was shopping around, the steps appear to be:

Basic obd2 - starting at $15 having a smart phone app and blue tooth dongle. I keep one of these in my coat pocket, ha.

Adding modules like abs and srs, I just picked up a back up tool from Autel for $110 that I'll keep in my car.

A tool that can look at all of the vehicles modules is around $250. Thinking of Autel and Launch here.

I'd consider a professional tool one that communicates with all available modules and has bi-directional controls to be able to activate components. These appear to start around $800 if you look at what Autel has to offer.

The benefit of a new tool is that it has the latest software. If you buy a used tool, it may cost a lot to upgrade it. I picked up a launch scanpad that has bi-directional controls, some module programming functions, and a free year of upgrades for $500 on eBay as an open box special for $500. I've seen a few others just like this on there lately.

I just read a post from Andy on a new launch tool that you might want to check out if you are working on a limited amount of lines.



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I have just been using the Launch Diag2 to diagnose and clear an airbag side impact sensor fault it was excellent and I am now using to fault find a Webasto diesel burning pre-heater it is a pity it has no bi-directional or programming