The Lift Garage is a 501c3 nonprofit aimed to move people out of poverty and homelessness by providing low-cost car repair, free pre-purchase car inspections, and honest advice that supports our community on the road to more secure lives. The Lift Garage is an affordable, non-profit auto repair service for Minnesotans of limited means.
It's an innovative idea that meets a pressing need. Since opening our doors in 2013, support from our community has made it possible for us to expand the services we provide. In addition to low cost car repair, we also offer free pre-purchase inspections of cars, express services to replace light bulbs, wiper blades, batteries, and free regularly scheduled car-care classes.
It's an innovative idea that meets a pressing need. Since opening our doors in 2013, support from our community has made it possible for us to expand the services we provide. In addition to low cost car repair, we also offer free pre-purchase inspections of cars, express services to replace light bulbs, wiper blades, batteries, and free regularly scheduled car-care classes.
Services
The Lift Garage is an affordable, non-profit auto repair service for all Minnesotans that meet the 150% Federal Poverty Guideline. We charge only $15 per hour plus the cost of parts at no mark-up. We serve all counties in Minnesota. Full payment is due at the time repairs are completed. We do not accept payment plans.
The Lift Garage works with each customer to discuss what documentation is needed to verify your income and eligibility for services at The Lift Garage. Documents that can be used to verify your income eligibility include, but are not limited to pay stubs, Social Security or SSI income statements, proof of SNAP benefits, proof of Medical Assistance eligibility, or an Income Verification Form completed by a caseworker.
Inspection & Repairs appointments will be opening up monthly on the 2nd Monday of each month. The month's schedule will remain open until all slots for Inspections/Repairs are filled. If you do not see any available appointments, check back on the next 2nd Monday of the month. If your vehicle would need to be towed to an in-shop appointment you may be eligible for a Mobile Van Inspection.
If you're considering buying a used car, we offer free inspections to help explore any issues that may already exist with the car before you buy it. We cannot write a repair estimate based off this inspection, but it will help inform your decision on purchasing. If you do purchase, we'd recommend scheduling an Inspection & Repair appointment with us.
If you are thinking of starting a service that would provide affordable car repair to low income people in your area, there are many things to consider. You will want to do a needs assessment. Are there any similar programs in your community already? How readily available is public transit? Are there car donation programs that may be willing to expand and include a repair program?
Reviews (9)
Jess Isaac
Jan 02, 2022
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Erica Brown
Dec 14, 2021
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I have used this business for years, but most recently I have been having an issue with the organization saying nothing is wrong when in fact there is maintenancethat need to be done. I took my car to the dealership today (December 16th 2021) for a full look over. I was told that my back brakes were at a 4. This can't be possible because the brakes were repaired (by the lift garage) initially in April of this year, then looked at again (because I stated the brakes felt weird) in September of this year. My concern is this, my front brakes were repaired by the lift garage in June of 2020 and they
Sr Lyneil D.
Nov 15, 2021
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Randal Heying
Sep 13, 2021
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Patrick Hendricks
Aug 04, 2021
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Diana Vanderson
Jul 04, 2021
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I would give them a zero if I could. Way too many mistakes on simple repairs.- failed to fix some very simple things. However-said they did. Took car to several other shops who confirmed the repairs weren't done. Took car back to the Lift over and over-still could not fix. Took it elsewhere-got fixed in no time-wonderful service and works great!! The Lift wasted my time and money. am adding this after reading "the owners" comment. Did you even read my review? Your mechanics failed to perform a very simple job multiple times kept it all day each time-AND- claimed they fixed it-but didn't. Terrible
L. Decker LisaD
Apr 24, 2021
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Living In My Now
Mar 06, 2021
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Great place to get your car repaired if you financially qualify for the service. My regular mechanic said the work I needed would be over $2500 which I didn't have because I lost my job. Found out about Lift and paid about $600 for everything. Great blessing, good staff. Just know you may have to wait a few days to get your car back and it does take a while to get on the schedule (many times 2-3 months) so make other provisions just in case.
Sue Timmer Timmer
Jan 17, 2021
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I’m reviewing this as 1.
due to their lack of business knowledge.
I was at their location a while back I brought in a friends car for her she had the appointment three months ahead they called my friend after six hours and said here is what needs to be done but we’re not fixing it today make another appointment. I’ve never heard of something like that. Usually gets done that same day.
So we make the Another appointment. We spend five hours waiting for the car to be repaired we called twice to see no response from them.
They finally returned the call and said they overbooked..
I looked
due to their lack of business knowledge.
I was at their location a while back I brought in a friends car for her she had the appointment three months ahead they called my friend after six hours and said here is what needs to be done but we’re not fixing it today make another appointment. I’ve never heard of something like that. Usually gets done that same day.
So we make the Another appointment. We spend five hours waiting for the car to be repaired we called twice to see no response from them.
They finally returned the call and said they overbooked..
I looked
