Thinking of a Car Lift? Check the Installation Cost First

News 12/04/2024

Alright, let’s talk about gettin’ one of them car lifts put in, you know, like the fellas at the garage use. I’ve been hearin’ folks chatter about it, and seems like it ain’t just for fancy shops no more. So, how much does this here car lift thingamajig cost to get set up?

Well, first off, it ain’t a one-size-fits-all kinda deal. It’s like buyin’ shoes, gotta find what fits your needs and your pocketbook. You got them scissor lifts, looks like big ol’ metal criss-crosses. Them things, the higher they go, the more they cost. I heard tell a fella paid near ’bout $12,000 for one that lifts a car up high enough so he can walk right under it. But if you need to get a real big truck up in the air, well, that’s gonna set you back more, maybe even $45,000, can you believe it? That’s more than some folks pay for their whole house!

Then there’s them in-ground lifts, the ones that go down into the floor. Fancy, ain’t they? They save you space, which is good if your garage is already crammed full of junk like mine is. But they’re a bit pricier to put in, I reckon. Heard prices startin’ around $6,000, but could go up to $10,000 or more. All depends on how much weight it can hold and what fancy features it’s got.

Now, don’t forget, you gotta pay someone to put the thing in, unless you’re one of them handy fellas. I sure ain’t! The installation itself, that’ll cost you a pretty penny too. From what I gathered, even for a simple one, you’re lookin’ at around $660 just to get started. And don’t even think about doin’ it yourself, you gotta get someone who knows what they’re doing, or you might end up with a car on your head! That wouldn’t be good for nobody.

Some folks like them Bendpak lifts. Heard they’re real good quality, built to last. But you know what that means, right? More money! They say them Bendpak lifts got thicker metal, wider bases, longer tracks, and better grip than the cheaper ones. So you’re paying for the good stuff, but it might be worth it if you use it a lot.

And speaking of cost, you know, things ain’t always what they seem. It’s like when you take your car to the shop, they tell you one price, but then it ends up bein’ more. With these lifts, you gotta think about more than just the lift itself. You need good concrete in your garage floor, maybe some extra electrical work. All that adds up. And don’t forget the inspections neither, they might find something that needs fixing, and guess what, more money!

  • Types of Lifts: Scissor lifts, in-ground lifts, various brands like Bendpak.
  • Lift Height and Capacity: Higher and heavier capacity lifts cost more.
  • Installation Costs: Professional installation is a must and adds to the overall expense.
  • Brand and Quality: Premium brands like Bendpak offer better quality but come at a higher price.
  • Additional Expenses: Site preparation, electrical work, and inspections can add to the total cost.

So, before you go runnin’ off to buy a car lift, do your homework. Figure out what kind you need, how much you can lift, and get some quotes from different places. Don’t just jump at the first price you see, shop around a bit. And remember, cheaper ain’t always better. Sometimes it pays to spend a little more to get something that’ll last. After all, it’s about makin’ life easier, not creatin’ more headaches.

Final word, if you take care of your things, they last longer. Same goes for a car lift. Keep it greased up, don’t overload it, and it should serve you well for years to come. And who knows, maybe you can even make a few bucks on the side fixin’ cars for your neighbors!

Tags: car lift, installation cost, garage equipment, Bendpak, scissor lift, in-ground lift, automotive tools, lift price, car repair