Lift options? Brands, recomendations experiences, looking for informed opinions Options

[Calwaterbear]

Guys,
I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2 post lift. while the 914 is light, I alsoi have to hoist up a LandRover Defender 110 as well, weighing in at 6500 - 7000 lbs.

I'm thinking a 9000 lbs rated lift will be fine.
But there are several different brands now available - with a WIDE range in prices.
so the cheap ones include
Launch (they now have a 1 piece design for towers), Autocraft, and Tuxedo. I assume all are probably Chinese - but I don't know for sure. all could be had for under 1500 - plus I will need to pour a 20X25 slab.

The Greg smith Elite seems like a good price for a unit they brag about, and have good reviews posted - but by whom?

Further up the price line - add an extra 500 - 800 bucks is the Bendpak, I think they are good quality

then some really pricey units above that.

so anyone have any idea on suitability - I'm using the lift once a month or so, i'm just a lazy hobbyist!

[somd914]

I've had a Greg Smith BP8000 two post for 1.5 years, gets used a good bit between me, my sons, and their friends. I also have two independent mechanic friends who each have had the same unit for several years with no issues - they were the endorsements that sold me.

If you are concerned about Chinese construction, do you research as I found some "American" units were actually Chinese.

I will say for us with the Porsches and our daily drivers (BMW 330ci, Golf GTI), the lift is well sized and supports the cars without movement. I wouldn't entertain a full size truck or SUV on it despite its 8,000 lb rating. It will probably lift and hold that weight, but based on some mid-size SUVs that have been on it, the vehicle rocks slightly though I don't detect any movement in the posts - believe it to be an arm geometry issue.