I'm looking into getting a floor jack just for ease of use and because I hate scissor jacks. I've found a pretty inexpensive one at Sears for about $30 (I would post a link, but the site is blocked at work...). It's a 2 ton floor jack with a min of 5" and a max of 13"

I don't have my car here and I've searched the forum as far as height of the frame or whatever the jack should go under and couldn't find anything. Does anyone have any idea if I can squeeze this 5" high jack under my 02 XJR? They also sell a low-profile jack for about $70 that goes down to 3.5"

Does anyone have any other thoughts on it? I know it's pretty cheap, but I use ramps for oil changes and would really only use this for the occasional look underneath and brake pads? I also use jack stands so I don't feel the need for $100 jack...

Thanks in advance,
Jon

 

The 5" to 13" lift range is terribly limiting even for home use, parfticularly for a low profile Jag; no doubt thats why it is on sale. Even with just a flat tire 5" min. may not work. A more standard hobby level floor jack will have a lift range of 3 1/2" to 19 or 20". Remember that you may want to use it occasionally on cars other than your Jag.
Don't forget to check the Harbor Freight sales if you have access to one of their stores. Spring for the $70 range.

 

Get the better one. My experience over the years has proved the better jacks are safer and easier to use in the long run. I use my cheapy for the lawn mower repair and oil changes on the mower.
Try as suggested above with Harbor Freight good buys. Look for the one like they use in NASCAR. The heavy duty guys are heavy. Those are lighter and easier to use.

Good luck