I prefer the long reach professional jacks and a good set of at least four jack stands.
Look around for something like this model which might be slightly less expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0024G75N...K40MEAH9EHA584E

 

^^most expensive jack i've ever seen in my life

 

I have this jack. It reaches the center jack points on a stock height S2000 without putting the car on boards. This is a garage jack; in other words this is NOT one you would take to the track to swap wheels. It's a beast.

That price is a bit high, but I picked it up from an online retailer before the price started creeping up.

[QUOTE=RedCelica, Jan 18 2011, 09:44 PM]

 

They are weighty.........like one hundred thirty pounds! Like 00CivicSi said shop around for the best deal, just remember if it has to be shipped it will be more expensive.

 

Just going to toss this out there - did you actually correctly prime the jack prior to using it? I know my Craftsman had me bleed all the air out of the system and lubricate some stuff prior to first use.

 

Then you've never seen the AC Hydraulics.

http://www.asedeals.com/hydraulicjacks2.html

Note that the DK13HLQ will lift from 3.1" to 28.25". Among the lesser-priced jacks, 19" is about the highest lift. Quality tools last several lifetimes.

If my ancient Heim-Werner O'Boy didn't keep lifting them up, I'd have one of these in a heartbeat.

 

So the jack actually broke in half/ hydraulic failure?

The crack is usually because you jacked the car up and it upset the balance, then it slips off shortly after that if you're not careful. The fact that you said "I lined it up perfect with the points specified in the owner's manual..." kinda tells me that you're new to jacking the car off the ground.

Given the scenario you described and the jack failing on the 2nd wheel, I will guess that the 2nd wheel you jacked was the rear wheel. If that sounds right, you were probably on an incline and it slipped off the jack point as you tilted it further towards the front (the front wheels roll freely)

But jacks do indeed fail, and that may have been the case (i wasn't there so i'm not gonna contest it). I'm just glad that you were okay.

 

Yes I primed the jack. I have changed wheels before. My garage is completely flat.

I'm going to return this tomorrow and buy a craftsman I hope.

 

This is the jack that I bought. It's a beauty and I highly recommend it if you can afford it.

 

Good move my neighbor. I bought a craftsman jack a year ago at the Oxford Valley Sears...$50-$60...can't remember exact price. There is about an inch or so of clearance to get under the S2000. It should work for you.