The days of screwdrivers, points and spark plugs are long gone, I'm afraid.
One problem I can see is that having the code will tell you what is wrong, but invariably, the equipment to accurately diagnose, test and correct is also electronic and pretty specialized.
Are you anticipating doing extensive repairs or just annoyed that you can't get all the info you want. If I remember correctly, there are more expensive scanners available, try the search function, I think it has been discussed in here somewhere.
Replacement of turbo, dpf and other devices, requires a reset using a scangauge, too.