I've used or owned just about all the chinese / harbor freight / costco jacks and compared to the AC Jacks they are a joke. It only took using it once in an Air Force hobby shop and I was completely sold. I will own one eventually...

 

I purchase an aluminum jack from Harbor Freight 2 years ago and is holding up. Has a lifetime warranty as long as you keep the receipt which I did not.

 

I don't think any HF floor jack has a lifetime warranty. It says 90 days right on the webpage of the floor jack. Why would they offer to sell an extra year warranty for X amount if it had a lifetime warranty?

 

You are correct. HF sells an extended warranty. No lifetime warranty.

 

This is one of the jacks that I have and my most favorite. Not a fan of how heavy it is (if transportation is a priority), but it's extremely well built and lifts extremely high with ease.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5429_200345429

 

I have the Omega 29023/Blackhawk. Awesome jack that I've used for 7 years https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/483...age__hl__omega

 

A little OT from the $300 the OP is asking about, but:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbeBNqgtIC4

http://www.bendpak.com/Shop-Equipment/QuickJack/

 

Thanks for all the recommendations. To close the loop, I went with the HJ2500 from Costco that cosmomiller has. Just picked it up today; $99 (+$55 membership renewal I was mulling anyway).

 

I have this, but my set came with jack stands too. I like it a lot. Light, works well, no leaks. Pretty low profile, and can reach the rear jack point on my car without 2x4s, which is saying something considering how low I am. It replaced the $99 Costco jack that was actually a leaky piece of crap. I wanted an Omega, but they are too expensive.

 

I've gone through 3 made in China units and just broke down and spent the money for the AC unit though I didn't get the long reach one. If you regularly wrench, I'd advise with going with quality from the beginning, else you'll eventually end up spending more $$