I have three Cytek Double-Park lifts. I've used the oldest for about seven years, with zero problems. I researched quite a few, and felt this was the best quality. The Stinger is quite similar. I haven't seen the Autolifer, but have heard good things about it.

Sorry to other posters, but I think the Backyard Buddy is the economy model. The external collar design is unnecessary (even though they tell you otherwise). The external collar scratch up the posts, and if you use any type of lube, it gets all over them. The parts and finish aren't as nice. The motor and hydraulics of lesser quality. But it's the low-price leader.

If you get one, I suggest getting extra width. If you have the room, you'll have more leeway between the posts, making it easier to pulling cars on top and underneath easier. Also get the biggest electric motor your outlets will handle. I have 120V 1 hp motors. Bigger motors make the lifting go faster. Also, the castor kit is necessary. If you ever want to move the lift (even a little) you need the castors (maybe you can share a set with a buddy, since you don't need them very often.) The jack bridge is nice if you need to jack from the center. Also, make sure they toss in about 5 drip trays, so the car underneath gets protected from dripping fluids or road debris from the top car.

Assembly is easy, once you get the hang of it. A friend and I have done five, and have it down to under 3 hrs each (probably 5 hours the first time.) Also, you need to raise your garage door tracks and opener to the ceiling.

Good luck, and happy motoring.

 

One more thing - The aluminum end ramps are expensive, but very light and easy to handle.

 

Superior has been more than helpful with helping me. I will agree that any type of lift requires inspection and maintence.

 

give Barry a call.these are very good quality lifts and he's a supporting vendor here. http://www.x-autoproducts.com/pages/product_lifts.htm

if you want the really good setup take a look at this
http://www.mohawklifts.com/consumer/tomahawk.php
we have the 15k lb version at work and its the safest hoist ive seen.
no cables or pulleys just rams and locking dogs.the arms are locked as soon as the lift starts going up.
these type hoists are by far the best for doing repairs on as the suspension is hanging.
and if you like the ease of a drive on you can always put the drive on ramps onto the arms.
sorry,but the drive-ons look like a pita to work off of to me,though much better than a creeper and jacks.
all the failures ive read about involved cable/pulley 4 point lifts.those you definately need to inspect routinely.

 

Parents got a Bend-Pak 12k lb lift. I really miss that thing since I moved away. One thing to note is that you will need a few friends to help with some of the larger lifts can have some pretty heavy parts.

I really like the pneumatic lock release and the backup cable slack locks (too much slack - lock activates). It also has all of the hydraulics hidden under one ramp and the other is moveable. Plus the 12k rating means I have no worries with the Vette on it (or anything else for that matter).

My $0.02

 

I think it's what ever your looking for. I have a 9000 Lb Rotary 2 Poster swing arm lift. Love It Man. I like to work on my vette with no ramps in my way. The only bad side of a 2 poster lift is if want to detail your car, you have to work around the posts when you want to rub out the doors.
Other than that, I think the 2 posters are the way to go.