OBD 1 code readers are just fancy paperclips. However, OBD 1 scanners display live sensor data which is a big step above a paperclip. The terminology often gets confused, a code reader just displays codes, a scanner at least displays live sensor data which is easier than probing wires with a multimeter. I have Alltest Brainmaster 2 which dispays data from the sensors one at a time. With the CCC system both tools when plugged in will send the ECM into a diagnostics mode. With reading the air fuel mixture solenoid dwell a analog dwell meter is best.I have an EZ-Scan in the bottom drawer of my toolbox that I bought at least 15 years ago. It looks just like a 6000 but it might be an earlier model. I bought it specifically for OBD1 Ford and Chrysler and only used it a handful of times. It's pretty crude but gets the job done. If you can snag one cheap, might be worth it. I used to see them at the swap meet for $40-50 in decent condition with all the cables.
All the old OBDI tools are basically digitized paperclips.
For OBDII, a $30 Autel pocket scanner is probably better. I keep one in the glove box of every car at my house.
I also bought one of these Creader OBDII scanners a few years ago. It's a step up from the pocket scanner, giving live data for ABS, SRS, and transmission, in addition to just engine data and codes. I bought it primarily for documenting SRS codes when I was doing Takata recall work for Honda but have used it to diagnose GM transmissions. It seemed to work okay with Subaru and Toyota too, but I have GTS+ (new replacement for TechStream factory software) so I haven't used it much for that. It's pretty capable for the money.
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