Tool Review: Matco Tools Maximus 5.0

May 8, 2025
Reviewed by Chris Martino, owner of ADAS L.I. in Amityville, New York.

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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time? 

A: The large screen is easy to see. I am able to go from scan tool functions to lab scope to battery tester to email to internet search to shop management software to OEM service information. The Launch capabilities lessen my need for OEM-specific applications. 

 

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?  

A: I can get much more done without walking to different areas of the shop. I do not need to leave my tablet. 

 

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product? 

A: Previously, I would have separate computers for service information and scope usage. This is all in one.

 

Q: How easy was it to use? 

A: The tool is very intuitive. Buttonology makes sense, and navigation through the tool is easy.

 

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories? 

A: It came with a 4-channel lab scope, scope accessories, a battery tester, Smartlink C, and OBD-I adapters. 

 

Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand? 

A: Help documents are in the tool. It was easy to understand. 

 

Q: What features did you like? 

A: The ability to take screenshots, test reports, and diagnostic information and put them in my R.O. without leaving the tool. I like the ability to swap between screens on the tool. I use it as my main laptop. The Launch scan tool software is, in my opinion, the best in the business. The battery tester has come to be quite handy recently. 

 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool? 

A: I wish I had two.

 

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?

A: I use this tool for literally every vehicle that comes through my shop. From diagnostics to coding to ADAS to service functions – it’s used on everything. I do a lot of ADAS on newer high-end vehicles. I also tend to code new modules on newer vehicles.  

 

Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? If so, what are some new features compared to the old version?

A: I have owned every iteration of the Maximus line. This device blows them and all other “comparable” tools out of the water.

 

Q: Is there anything you had questions or concerns about in regard to the tool? 

A: I was worried the screen would scratch and chip, but this thing seems to be made out of some sort of diamond-type glass. 

 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why? 

A: 10. This allows me to work very efficiently.

About the Author

Chris Martino

Chris Martino is a member of Trained By Techs and co-owner of ADAS LI, and ADAS diagnosis, calibration and programming solutions provider on Long Island, NY.  He spends his days analyzing challenging and problematic vehicles and spends his evenings working to better the automotive service industry with his fellow Trained by Techs members. His specialty is electrical fault diagnosis using advanced efficient troubleshooting techniques but with a focus on the basics.        

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