Safe Cars.
Secure Lives.
Each gift you make saves customers money so they don’t have to make impossible decisions like choosing between fixing their car or buying groceries for their family.
How We Help
Inspection & Repairs
We provide free inspections focused on the safety and drivability issues with the car. After the inspection, we will write an estimate for the low-cost car repairs that we can offer.
Mobile Van Inspections
Our mobile van does pre-inspections for broken down vehicles within the Twin Cities metro area. Our goal is to help inform the customer if the car is worth towing to the shop for the full inspection – if we can’t help fix the car, we don’t want the customer to pay for the towing!
Pre-Purchase Inspections
Searching for a used car isn’t easy – so we offer free pre-purchase inspections. We will alert the customer of any repairs that are needed so they can make the best possible purchase.
Your Impact in 2023
1520 Appointments
Repairs at The Lift typically cost about half of what they would cost at a for-market shop.
956 Inspections
Our inspections are free to The Lift Garage customers and focus on the safety and drivability issues with the car.
72 Express Lane
Every Friday, we provide express services. Here, we top off fluids, check and replace bulbs, and more.
Why Low-Cost Car Repairs Matter
Lifting Up Crystal
“I thought it was a doomed phone call,” Crystal said, reflecting on when we rang her to share what needed fixing and how much it would cost. That had, unfortunately, been a stressful week for Crystal. She told us that she was in Target when she got that phone call, preparing for a week-long hospital stay for her son’s upcoming procedure – his 12th.
“I have a sick little boy, and I work hard to take care of him and pay his expenses on top of our regular stuff. Sometimes, it just feels overwhelming. I sat outside in my car in Target crying, because I felt like, just once, just finally, I got a break. We were able to get my car fixed.”
Lifting Up Kathy
“At that time, things were on a downward trajectory in my life,” Kathy shared. “Car repair is always a huge expense when you’re in poverty and, if I hadn’t heard about The Lift, I probably would have become carless. But you guys, by being here and making the cost affordable, it got me on solid ground. And the kindness and consideration, on top of getting my car safe, lifted my spirits. It got me up and going again.”
For Kathy, a safe car helps her keep her “life force” going by being a tool to take care of her needs. “I use my car every day – for groceries, for shopping, for visiting, going to meetings, you name it. I really depend on it for a lot.”
Become a Monthly Sustainer
By becoming a monthly donor, you help sustain The Lift Garage’s work, supporting our community on the road to more secure lives.
