I know there are some car guys here so......
My 2013 Subaru is nearing 220k and has thrown some codes recently. I have a basic reader but I'm looking for something with more in depth diagnostics capability but not break the bank. Any recommendations?
I usually take the code my basic scanner tells me and look it up at alldatadiy.com. You could also google it along with year/make/model, and find discussions on the topic, what fixed it for other people.
What is it that you want to know, that your basic reader is not telling you? What does "more in depth diagnostics capability" mean to you specifically? To me, it could mean a lot of different things.
Are you wanting the scanner to give you that AllData level of information (Display Technical service bulletins involving the code, schematics, 3D component locations, etc.)?
Do you want a scanner that tells you that your driver's side power seat in your Range Rover isn't working because it lost communication with the seat memory module in the door?
Do you want a scanner that allows you to change the shift points in your automatic transmission?
The 3 scenarios I described above call for 3 different tools in many cases. Need to know what you really want to give better advice.
There is a lot more than just OBDII going on inside that diagnostics port, and there are a lot more codes than what is described in the OBDII spec. Manufacturers have their own proprietary communications busses and their own vendor-specific codes. In order to have dealer-level capability, in some cases you need the tool the dealer has, which is $$,$$$. In other cases there may be a vendor-specific 3rd party tool you can get for cheaper. But depending on your answer to above, you probably don't need either.