For anyone who’s ever bought cars at auction, the right OBD-II scanner can mean the difference between a quick flip and a $10,000 mistake. That’s why one Florida dealer’s viral Walmart run, and his glowing endorsement of a $50 handheld, struck such a chord with car flippers and mechanics alike.
Used car dealer Robb (@robbthecarguy) is a loyalist for the HyperTough HT500 scanning tool, calling the Walmart company brand “worth its weight in gold” for how reliable and flexible it is for use at high stakes auto auctions.
“It even does shutter codes. It'll pull the odometer, so you can see if the miles will roll back on the motor. It has so many features, and it's only $50,” he explains in a video that’s been viewed more than 165,500 times as of this writing.
In the fast-moving auction world, the difference between buying smart and buying blind often comes down to access to information. With thousands of vehicles passing across lanes every day, auction-buying professionals and lot flippers alike rely on handheld scanners, VIN checkers and OBD-II tools to spot hidden problems, from misfires and emissions faults to odometer tampering.
A device that reliably reads more than a basic check engine code and does so on the fly becomes a powerful tool in the bidder’s arsenal.
Robb’s endorsement taps into that reality. A $50 scanner that can pull odometer data and “shutter codes” (a term he uses) resonates because it suggests a level of detail previously reserved for much more expensive diagnostic gear.
What the HT500 Brings to the Table
The Hyper Tough HT500 is sold through Walmart and lists for around $50. According to product listings and user reviews, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, works on 1996-and-newer OBD-II vehicles, and pairs with the free “RepairSolutions2” app. Features include reading and clearing generic and manufacturer-specific codes, live data logging, freeze frame data, battery/alternator tests, and even TPMS and transmission temperature data in some cases.
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User forums offer mixed but generally positive feedback. One tool-shop owner on the BobIsTheOilGuy forum said, “[T]he Hyper Tough line is made by Innova and for the price are great…. I keep a couple cheap Hyper Tough plug-in scanners for loaning to customers.”
On Reddit’s r/AskMechanics, one user asked, “I need a way to monitor my live oil pressure and I can't seem to find it on the app. Can this scanner just not do that or am I not looking hard enough?”
That exchange underscores that while the HT500 punches above its price point, it still has its limits compared to professional level tools.
Bottom line: for a $50 tool it offers more than you’d expect, especially for auction buyers doing quick checks on a fleet of vehicles.
Robb’s TikTok run through a Florida Walmart plays out as a visual snapshot of auction dark-arts: a seasoned buyer losing scanners (“This is the fifth one in the past two months,” he says), rummaging through Walmart shelves, picking up the HT500, then settling for its cheaper sibling the HT300 when the HT500 is sold out.
He complains about “wired” scanners getting you caught at auctions.
The auction scanner question became especially salient. One commenter wrote, “The auction doesn’t let you use a scanner?? I wouldn’t buy any used car without scanning it.” Others chimed in with defensive notes: “It’s per location” or “California manheim locations will literally kick you out if you bring a scanner.”
Some auction houses, such as the Manheim Denver location, ban OBD-II scanners as part of their rules. That conflict between “having the tool” and “being allowed to use it” is a real part of the story for dealers.
The comment stream also touches on gear-management headaches. “Bro, you don’t understand how many times I’ve lost a scanner checking a car out,” one said. Another shared, “Broski buys a scanner every seven minutes.”
What Does This Mean for the Serious Buyer?
For anyone who’s into auctions, flipping, or high-volume used-car buying, rules-plus-tool smarts matter. The HT500 stands out for its affordability and features. But it’s not perfect. Reviews caution that oil-pressure monitoring, advanced calibrations, or professional bidirectional functions may be beyond its capabilities.
Moreover, the auction realities mean a scanner is only useful if you’re allowed to use it in the way you intend. Even if you bring the best tool, restrictions on site, whether through policy or staff enforcement, can neutralize the advantage.
For example, imagine you’re at an auction on a Monday morning scanning quickly. The opportunity cost of missing a hidden fault like a transmission fluid code or a rolled-back odometer could be thousands. A $50 tool that’s trusted by a veteran can save you that cost. But it doesn’t replace skill, due diligence, and knowing the venue.
What began as a TikTok trip to Walmart is actually a micro-lesson in how the used car business is evolving. Scan tool brands once reserved for tech shops are now everyday gear for lot buyers.
If you’re heading into an auction or prepping a purchase, you likely won’t regret spending $50 on a scanner like the HT500. Just remember that it matters just as much to know when you can plug it in, what to look for, and how to interpret the results.
Motor1 reached out to Robb via TikTok direct message. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.
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