Well, that is kind of a trick question, any j box and a laptop will do for module reflashing.
The autel one goes for 800$ give or take if you get the wifi version or not. Preferably, never flash via wifi. If it cuts out while programming, you could brick a brand new module, so go cheap here is better and usuing a hard wired connection is best. Most module such as BCM and ECM require reflashing. Some HVAC units do not, some door driver modules need flashing in higher end cars, that is where the "trick" question comes in effect.
Tommorow, I will check if my 908 has j2534 in new update. When I bought it, it did not. If it does I will post back.
But here is the catch. If you buy a 908 base version, they are hard to find, mostly cuz they are superceded by the pro and elite version, which both come with the j box and app.
Also to consider, at 1000$ a pop for a yearly update, the newer pro and elite when bought new, come with two yrs of updates, at least the elite one we come at work did. So the price if a 908p is 3.5g's, while the base 908 is 2.8g's. Give or take. Link here.
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=maxisys+908&i=automotive&ref=nb_sb_noss
So doing some math, a 908 base + cost of autel j box. 2800+800= 3600. And not sure if you get two free yrs of updates. Seller will confirm.
It is real hard to find a used autel 908, they tend to be very hard to get because ppl like em so much. But if you can find a base 908 from lets say 2014ish, for 500$, like I did, then add a year update, it will bring it right back up to date for an investment of 1500$. BTW, mine is showing no wear yet on screen and bat life yet and it was bought back in 2014-15ish. Sure it is a 1,4ghz quad core, but I don't care, it only cost me 5bones. But it was a very rare deal I got from an old boss who liked my work. He was upgrading to the elite with a 1.8ghz cpu and larger and better goodies.
Then you buy any j box such a cardaq or dgtech. They are cheaper. And widely recognized by car manufacturers.
As a joke, the launch pass thru is 1700$, and I am 90% percent sure it was made or designed by drewtech. We use that one at work also.
Here is a links/pic of both pass thru, see a resemblance?
https://www.amazon.com/Launch-JBOX-Passthru-Programming-Device/dp/B00DTL0RRI
https://www.dgtech.com/vsi-2534/
A teacher of mine told me dtech was one of the first innovators in these pass thru adapters and most are copies of this platform.
Anyway, I could talk a long time on thisubkject, but I think to get you up and running for minimal cost, buy what suits your needs and be future proof. Some older companies are being phased out. Autel seems to be the best choice for futur proofing an investment.
Example, the autoboss I uploaded pictures here of, they stopped updating in 2015ish. Now, OTC/SPX simply has no support whatsoever for these "what used to be" high end scanners.
So going with autel with a new bundle, while it may look expensive at first, will get you by for at least a few years without upgrades and what not. It all depends on how much volume you do to justify.
My autoboss is my home thing. Most of my buddies don't own anything over 2012 anyway, and if I only need to scan and engine, the obd2 does the engine up to now. But, I always have my work scanner, but lugging that big box around for a favor or two sucks.
I hope any of this helps.
Have a great day.