Whats the Best Car Lift for the Money? Buyers Guide

News 12/12/2024

Alright, let’s talk about them car lifts, you know, the things that jack up your car so you can poke around underneath. Folks keep askin’ me, “What’s the best car lift for the money?” Well, it ain’t that simple. It’s like askin’ what’s the best pair of shoes – depends on what you’re gonna do with ’em!

First off, you gotta think about what kinda car you got. Got yourself a little putt-putt car? Or a big ol’ truck that hauls hay? See, that makes a difference. Some lifts can only handle a little bit of weight, others can lift a whole dang barn practically. I heard tell of some that can lift 6,000 pounds, them are the BendPak Portable Mid-Rise Scissor ones. And then there’s others, like them Triumph NSS-8SQ, they lift even more, 8,000 pounds they say! That’s a whole lotta metal!

Now, there’s two main kinds of lifts, far as I can tell. One kind has got four posts, like legs standin’ on the ground. They’re real sturdy, good for keepin’ a car up high for a long time. You could even store your boat on one, if you’re fancy like that. Them four-post ones, they lift the car up by the tires. Safer that way, I reckon. No scratchin’ up the paint.

  • Four-post lifts: Good for storage, real stable, lifts by the tires.
  • Two-post lifts: Good for workin’ under the car, lifts by the frame.

The other kind has only got two posts. These are for when you gotta get under the car and fix somethin’. You know, like changin’ the oil or bangin’ out a dent. They lift the car up by the frame, so you can get right at the greasy bits. But you gotta be careful with them two-post ones, make sure you got the car balanced right, or it’ll come crashin’ down, and that ain’t no good.

So, which one’s better? Like I said, depends on what you need it for. If you just want a place to park your car up outta the way, a four-post lift is the ticket. They say them four-post lifts are good for trucks, ATVs and even boats. It’s like havin’ extra garage space without buildin’ a whole new garage. But if you’re gonna be doin’ a lot of work on your car, a two-post lift is what you want. You can get right up in there and see what’s what. They’re saying it’s an excellent choice for workin’ under cars and light trucks, getting to all them parts underneath is easy peasy.

Now, let’s talk about money. These lifts ain’t cheap, let me tell ya. You can spend a few hundred dollars, or you can spend a few thousand. It all depends on how fancy you wanna get, and how much weight you need to lift. You can find a cheap one, I’m sure, but it might not last long. And a busted lift is more trouble than it’s worth. It’s like buyin’ cheap shoes – they fall apart after a month and you gotta buy new ones anyway.

My advice? Do your homework. Read some reviews. Talk to folks who got lifts. And don’t just buy the cheapest one you can find. Get a good quality lift that’ll last you a long time. And make sure it’s the right size for your car and your garage. Nothin’ worse than buyin’ a lift that’s too big or too small. You don’t wanna be stuck with something useless, do ya? Always keep in mind that a 2 post car lift works real well for cars and light trucks by giving you a good way to get underneath. And a 4 post lift, well, that’s for the big boys, the heavy lifters. And they’re good for keepin’ things up in the air for a long time, steady as a rock.

So, there you have it. That’s about all I know about car lifts. Hope it helps you find the best car lift for the money. Just remember, do your research, buy a good one, and be careful when you’re usin’ it. Safety first, that’s what I always say. And don’t forget to grease them joints every now and then. A little grease goes a long way, keeps everything runnin’ smooth. Now get on out there and find yourself a good lift!

One last thing: Make sure you got enough room in your garage! These things take up space, ya know. And you don’t want to be bangin’ your head on the ceiling every time you walk by. Measure twice, buy once, that’s my motto.

Tags: Car Lifts, Auto Repair, Garage Equipment, Vehicle Maintenance, Two-Post Lift, Four-Post Lift, Car Storage, DIY Auto, Automotive Tools, Best Car Lift