Quote:
Have you thought about digging a pit Murdo?
Sorry, couldn't resist
Tony.
Might have missed the joke here - but a pit is not a bad option - if it is practicable. I have one. The good thing about them is they take up no space when not in use. Ideally the pit needs to be 3 or 4 feet longer than the longest car, that way you can get to the full length of the car underneath and comfortably climb up some steps at the end. Mine is a bit tight with some cars but I wouldn't be without it. Also make it 6 foot deep - deeper if you are a tall giant!, you can always raise the floor, nothing worse than having to crouch and bend when under a low sports car. For the Land Rover I end up standing on a milk crate!
I know there are now lots of rules and building regs. about ventilation etc., but I have had a pit in all the garages I have had over the last 30 years or so and as long as you are sensible - i.e. don't drain your fuel tank whilst in the pit or work underneath while the engine is running I have never had an issue.
The frustrating thing with ramps/lifts/pits/rotisseries etc is none is perfect for every job. A nice 2 poster lift is a great all four wheels off the ground lift but the arms get in the way, they take up space and when the car is up in the air it is hard to reach under the bonnet if you need to. A pit is great to, lots of exercise climbing in and out but you still get unrestricted floor level access to the car and under the bonnet. It is more problematical to get all four wheels in the air as you are restricted on where you can put axle stands if you want clear access underneath, also access to the sills at the side is more restricted. Rotisseries and hub mounted car tilters are really best for stripped shells needing body work to the underside, otherwise there is a lot of faff draining fluids etc if you want to tilt the car right over.
Horses for courses as they say, everyone has different needs and budgets, and every situation is different, but it is good to know what options are out there.