I got a 95 buick regal. I think someone lifted the car wong at some point because the tabs where the jack is supposed to go are bent so you can't use the jack that came with the car to lift it . Do you think a bottle jack would be a good idea or can someone recommend a good ,small portable jack, for not too much clearance? Thanks

Assuming your on concrete, a rolling floor jack will work best.  You can lift under the suspension, or lift pads, depending on the work your doing.  I try to stay away from bottle jacks and scissor jacks, as I've had a few close calls with both.  Anyway you do it, be careful, and be sure the brake is set, and the  jack is in good contact with car and won't slip.

Straighten the tab up?

Back in the 70's, Ford introduced a cheap car, dang if I remember the name now, but, OHH I remember now,,, It was the Escort ( they named it that because if you sent your kid out in it, they otta have an escort, to make sure they dint have to walk home) anyway, if ya stuck a jack under it in the wrong place, the windshield would shatter,,
I was working in the Ford body shop in Odessa, & they sent a factory rep around to take a survey on what the guys who fixed them thot,, I dodged that gal with her clipboard almost,,, ALL Most,, all day.. I turned around & there she stood, all smiles & waiting to write it all down,, I Told her I had avoided her, for the record,, & then I told her what I thot of that junky little car. I told her it was slow, & cheap & that a pissed off 10 year old could total it with his bare hands,,

I ALLLmost
got fired,,