It's not dollar amount that determines whether something will have a diagnostic port, it needs to be designed to have a processor and the ability to have/use that port. If it's a simple design, the port won't show much in detail. Also, there's a fair amount of equipment that has the ability to show a limited range of codes through power indicator flashes. Even that would be helpful if it were to be required, but like a lot of items, knowledge of how to repair is needed, or it will be a case of wannabe service people pulling out the proverbial 'parts cannon' and heading toward frustration because their process of replacing several parts at one time doesn't allow certainty in determining the cause of the trouble.
What auto electronics are you referring to, OBD I? I had an early-'80s Olds Cutlass and at one point, the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) failed,so I called a friend who was working at the GM Desert Proving Ground for info. He referred to a diagnostic task that referred to ~40% throttle position and at the time, I didn't know how they would find that and he explained that the ECM had a bit of control over the engine but really, not much. He said the next system would be a lot more capable but it wasn't ready for prime time (IIRC, it was around 1990 and OBD II wasn't being used at that point). CARB (California Air Research Board) is the group that was initially behind the first mandates, national mandates came later.
It's available to all, but 'all' need to have the proper diagnostic equpment and the knowledge to use it correctly.
However, the codes don't give all of the info when a problem arises, it's just a hint. The DATA and knowing what to do with it is where solutions can be found.