Smog Queen

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Yessica R (Boogigi's Adventurez)
6 months ago
Stopped by due to the great reviews. Not impressed by their lack of service.Pulled into the establishment and saw 2 employees. While I know they were working, I received zero acknowledge of my presence. I proceeded to address one of the employees to ask if it was too late for a smog check, no? Okay, short 2 staff members... it's late... got it.Perhaps my older vehicle doesn't meet the clientele they are trying to draw in. Who knows. The fact is, a simple wave, hello, or any type of friendliness - acknowledging a potential customer goes a long way. Won't be coming back.

  Jay Azuka
3 years ago
I first found Smog Queen by accident, as a referral from another mechanic to get my smog inspection done. I'm particularly picky with my mechanics, as my car ('08 E60 BMW M5) can be a tricky beast to work on. It quickly became clear, however, that this place holds that rare breed of mechanics that are trustworthy, love what they do, and love the cars they work on. My first interactions with head mechanic G confirmed this, and G was more professional and friendly than any dealership or third-party mechanic I've ever been to. His genuine care for my vehicle was clear, and by the time my smog inspection was finished, I had already made up my mind that I wanted him to be the mechanic for my E60 M5. Judging by the variety of rare Ferraris and other vehicles in the shop, I'd say many others made the same decision.Since then, I've taken my M5 to G for everything that I can. German, Japanese, American autos - he can handle anything that his garage has the capabilities for. For those looking for a mechanic they can trust in the city, I can highly recommend G - you won't be disappointed. My only concern is that when I move out of the city, I will not be able to find another mechanic like him.

  A Darnell
a year ago
The best and most through service I have ever experienced for my oil changes and more. I have been taking my cars here for the past 3 years and "G" is amazing! His work is impeccable and he knows Subaru and VWs inside and out along with many other makes of cars. After some disaster experiences at other places I am so glad I discovered Smog Queen. I will never have to roll the dice again with keeping my car's service and maintenance up to snuff.Services: Tires, Auto battery replacement, Electrical, Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment, Auto maintenance, Battery, Oil change

  Marc Solorzan9
a year ago
I was recommended to G from my co-workers, after I bought my 1st flip car.I quickly realized that G's skill, and business is profitable when flipping cars. Even at general shop cost.He went above and beyond, and even took on jobs most would reject.

  Jessica Johnson
3 years ago
I originally stumbled across Smog Queen two years ago when I needed an oil change, and have been coming back ever since. No matter how big or small the issue, I bring my car here. Gonzalo is the absolute best. As someone who's not very car savvy, I really appreciate that he takes the time to walk me through the whole process. He's fixed multiple issues on both of my cars now and it's so nice feeling at ease when I drop my car off. This place is quick, reasonable, and above all trustworthy. I've recommended this place to multiple friends and they've all been satisfied. Thank you so much G!Services: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning

  Lucas Compton
2 years ago
Straight forward and honest. Shout out to Gonzalo!I, like many people, have been burned in the past by shady mechanics and shops that are looking to price gouge and encourage superfluous repairs. Big-ups to the Smog Queen team for being accessible, very friendly, and honest.My car is old and has a bunch of minor issues that I am aware of but neglect to fix because of cost, model year, and generally not being worth it. I was straight forward to Gonzalo about this and his diagnosis and assessment was super helpful and answered every question that I had.Highly recommend these folks. I don't know what they pay Gonzalo, but from reading other reviews I feel like it should be more.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Vehicle Inspection, Auto emissions testing, Vehicle safety inspection, Auto maintenance

  David S.
3 years ago
BMW dealership was trying to rip me off again. On the recommendation of a friend, I brought my vehicle to Smog Queen and Gonzalo ("G-man") took care of my needs without gouging me. In addition, he performed a couple of services free-of-charge and explained patiently and in great detail what I needed to do going forward to keep my car in great condition. Gonzalo got me back on the road quickly. He is knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about his area of expertise! Most of all, he seems to understand how to build trust and long-lasting relationships with his customers. Very rare for an auto repair expert, in my experience. I also learned the shop has been a family-owned and -operated business for many years. I highly recommend his shop for your car repairs and service needs.Service: Brakes

  leonard brown jr
a year ago
Date: 02/14/2023. This review is about the owner, nicknamed G-man. First, I'll say that I have been a loyal customer for many, many years. I met G-man probably 20 or more years ago when the Smog Queen shop was on 10th Street in San Francisco. He introduced himself and told me they call him G-Man and that's what I have called him ever since. I followed G-Man when they moved the shop to 17th Street in San Francisco. Now, they've gone through a name change and are now located on Broadway Street in Oakland, California. And it has been the only smog shop I have gone to all these years. I believe I took both my box Chevrolets there, my 1999 Cadillac, 2004 Taurus, 2007 F-150 and was planning on taking my 2017 Ford Taurus there as well. .Also, I might add that I had never received anything but courteous professional and efficient 5-star treatment which is one of the reasons why I kept going there and they are reasonably priced until I went there last week on February 6, 2023. Secondly, I am a black man. And I say that because the question is always in the back of my mind as to why I might be receiving unprofessional or rude treatment because I am black. I'm really at a loss for what happened, so let me just explain what happened. I was really taken aback because this was so uncharacteristic of the G-man that I have known all these years. I called them up and spoke with a young man named Zack. Zach said bring the car on in whenever I wanted to and I wouldn't need an appointment. He also informed me of the new location. I called them back again to ask them if they were still a star station and G-Man answered the phone. G-Man confirmed that they are still a star station and that I could bring the car in anytime. I took the car in on Monday February 6, 2023. I was met by Zack who told me to find a place to park out on the street and wait and they would get to me in about 10 or 20 minutes because there were a couple cars ahead of me. When Zack called me on the phone, I drove into the shop, and he directed me to wait over by the desk. I chose to stand behind my car and wait. And that's when it happened I immediately noticed G-Man walking frantically from one car on one side of the garage to the other side of the garage to another car and looking under the hood and so forth all within a few feet of me. He went back and forth a couple of times and did not acknowledge me, which was fine. That is when G-Man spoke to whom I assumed was his employee named Zack in a very rude tone of voice and said to him "this is not a hobby shop, tell him he needs to take a seat", referring to me of course. I didn't understand why he could not have told me that I could not remain standing in that area since he walked past me two or three times as I was standing there. Zack had already directed me to wait in the waiting area, but I had chosen not to go over there. After Zack politely and very courteously asked me to wait in the waiting area for a second time, I did so and he came over in a couple of minutes and talked to me about the service that I needed. After the rude behavior from G-man, I decided to take my car somewhere else instead of paying the $189 they wanted to diagnose the car and find out why the check engine light was on and could not be smogged. At this point, to be honest with you, they may have lost my business for good. I couldn't help but think that he never would have done that if I had been a white Caucasian customer or any other nationality other than black African American. That is the end of my comment, and I hope that wasn't the norm, but rather the exception and just an aberration on what seemed to be a really bad and hectic day.

  Grant Garber
3 years ago
Smog Queen is excellent! Over the past few years they have helped me with maintenance work on a few older BMWs in addition to routine smog checks. The team is extremely quick, professional, helpful and their prices are really reasonable. I highly recommend them if you're looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, local mechanic shop to help maintain your vehicle, both for scheduled maintenance and unexpected issues. Very happy with my experience so far!

  Meredith Hansbury
3 years ago
I worked around the corner from Smog Queen and they were the most friendly and welcoming neighbors. When it came to getting my Subaru's oil changed, I'd take it in to be serviced by G. He's so professional, knowledgeable, and honest. I came into a very difficult situation with my car and he really helped to save the day. I had just sold my Subaru before moving out of the country. Days before I left, the buyer called to tell me that the engine light came on. Once I heard this, I immediately went to Smog Queen to speak with G. He understood the time sensitivity with this issue and was able to quickly diagnose, fix, and smog my car. He also spoke directly with the buyer to explain what was going on and how it was going to be resolved. This really deescalated the situation and helped put the buyer (and me) at ease.I miss having them as my neighbour and if I were living in SF, I would still be a customer with Smog Queen!Services: Exhaust, Auto engine diagnostic, Oil change

  Mat Howe
3 years ago
I recently moved to California and it took a toll on my Lincoln. I heard about Smog Queen and decided to just give it a shot finding a mechanic in a new land... WOW! The service there made me feel so at home. G worked on my vehicle and he did not try to sell me things I did not need, however he gave me an honest review of what he found and what I could get done to fix it. My questions all were answered in a way a layperson could understand. He kept my safety in mind when discussing the vehicle issues I was having (that s not something often found outside of family). He quickly fit me into the schedule and repaired my baby. Even found a safety issue of which I wasn t aware and took care of that without making me set another appointment. I can not recommend more highly Smog Queen, and G especially, for the outstanding work and excellent customer service. Thank y all so much.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Battery

  Asia P
4 years ago
I had an amazing experience at Smog Queen. Aside from the great reviews they already had, the name alone drew me in to get serviced here. I received wonderful service from G, who is very passionate about the business he is in.I brought my work van in to get a smog check, and ended up getting some other work that needed to be done as well. I was made very comfortable as soon as I walked and I loved that G was interested in me saving as much as I could with what needed to be done.After my getting my van serviced, I asked if Smog Queen could fix my shattered window on my personal vehicle because my car had been broken into (another victim of bip city). G gladly said yes and began taking the info of my car down to get some quotes. I ve have my window broken before and this is the most affordable place I ve been in the city that fixes them.After both my cars had been serviced and up to high standards, I felt like Smog Queen could do it all!I will definitely be bringing my personal and company vehicles here to be serviced from now on.*On a side note, their restroom was very clean and properly stocked (quality feminine products ).Wasn t expected that from an auto shop. Keep up the great service Smog Queen.

  Maya Krupa
4 years ago
I would recommend this shop to anyone looking for a reputable, knowledgeable, and honest auto repair/auto mechanic in the city. I've been working with G (one of the mechanics - yes it's just the letter G) and others there for over 3 years and they've been the only shop I've gone to since the first time I visited themThey shoot you straight on pricing, any potential delay in timings, and are very good about communicating with you through your auto repair needs. They also have years of relationships in the industry for any type of additional services you may need like detailing etc. and they handle all that back and forth communications for you with their suppliers and just loop you in as needed. Overall highly recommend these folks!

  Bobby Gonzalez
3 years ago
Excellent experience! Highly recommend for smog as well as repairs. "G" is passionate about his craft, friendly and honest. I've been going to him for smogs but this time I needed to swap out a dead alternator fuse that required popping out the whole box, undoing some bolts and I couldn't find the specific part on my own. I dropped off my car, left it there for a few hours before he called me to let me know it was up and running and ready to go. The best part is when I tried to pay him he told me to kick rocks and "come back with something more challenging next time". Man, that made my day. Thank you! 100 Stars! Excellent experience.

  Richard Stile
4 years ago
I needed a smog check and some other routine work done on my car, so I decided to bring it into my local neighborhood shop. Both of the owners were very friendly and personable, and did great work that fit into my schedule. I've always hated bringing my car into a shop, but this was a great experience- I'll be recommending them and using them exclusively!

  Alexa Gutierrez
3 years ago
I've taken my car in to Smog Queen so many times this past month. I have an old Chevy Trailblazer which needs tons of work and Gonzalo has been able to accommodate and repair my vehicle every time. Super nice, efficient, and reliable service. I will most definitely keep Smog Queen on speed dial for car repairs and basic car maintenance.

  Giff Brooks
2 years ago
I've been going here for 2 years. Gonzalo is a total professional. He's honest and never speaks down to me, despite my car knowledge being next to nothing. I never question whether I'm being hustled or ripped off. He takes great care of my car, letting me know which repairs are recommended and which I can probably do without. Thanks Gonzalo!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes, Oil change

  Robert Falco
3 years ago
This has been the best mechanic experience I ve had and G was responsible for that. I took in my 98 c-280 Mercedes in with a list of problems and I was kept in the loop whenever progress with made. My Mercedes runs beautifully and I didn t have to break the bank to do it. I couldn t recommend Smog queen and G enough because this is definitely where I m bringing my car from now on.Services: Electrical repair, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, A/C installation & repair, Air conditioning, Oil change

  Guy Chin
4 years ago
On a friend's recommendation, I contacted G about my older commute vehicle wandering on the freeway and feeling lose. I brought my car in and he diagnosed it as needing shocks and my other suspension components looked fine. Made an appoint and he was ready for me at the appointed time. Ran a few errands and picked up my car a few hours later. He stated on closer inspection everything else was fine. Did not upsell me on changing unnecessary parts and stayed within the quoted price. G also test drove my vehicle to make sure my problem was corrected. Would highly recommend...honest & addressed my concerns.

  Andrew
3 years ago
Hands down THE BEST shop I have EVER been to!G takes real good care of you with no hidden anything and completely unbeatable prices,The quality of work is always outstanding and the honest approach to car care is beyond exceptional.Would give them 10 stars if I could.Brought my 05 SXT Magnum immediately after buying it and I know I m in good hands, bringing in the 08 SXT to finish the engine swap, I totally trust Smog Queen and G to handle the work

  ANDREW L
4 years ago
Recently had my Mercedes serpentine belt, pulleys, and tensioner replaced at this location as preventative maintenance without any hassle. Pricing was extremely reason and service was top notch. I was also advised to replace my battery due to age without any heavy handed sales pressure. I will definitely return in the future. If you are looking for a honest mechanic to keep your car in good working order or general maintenance I highly recommend their service.

  Ruby Danielsson
3 years ago
I love this shop. Not only can I always rely on G to be professional and do outstanding work on my car but, he is reasonable and fair, respectful of people's time and opinions and operates with the highest integrity. I will always take my vehicles here and highly recommend Smog Queen.

  Alex Kaiser
3 years ago
High quality service at affordable prices. Got my breaks done and the whole car feels better. Quick turnaround, especially with an appointment. Good communication about what services are needed and breakdowns of costs. This place is good, fast *and* affordable. Very rarely are places all three but this spot is. Highly recommend.

  Oren Bordo
3 years ago
I trust G to do the job right every time. He is caring and exceptionally knowledgeable. I have an Evo X, and on one occasion I had him replace my clutch, and on another occasion I had him change out the rear differential fluids, the transfer case fluid, and the manual transmission fluid. All was done perfectly. He loves what he does and it shows in his workmanship and in his care to do the job like it's supposed to be done.

  Matthew Schwartz
4 years ago
I met G when I moved to SF in 2016 and I needed a smog test. I quickly learned he is a fantastic mechanic. I now take my E36 M3 to him for everything. His trouble shooting skills are great even on my 20+ year old tuned bimmer. His rates are very fair and he is super professional and honest. Cannot recommend him more!

  Alicia Tos
4 years ago
Came in on a Saturday because it was the only shop open and my car lit up en route to work with a handful of engine codes, as evidenced by my OBD2 reader, and would randomly turn off mid-drive. They insisted that it was the mass airflow sensor and the part would cost $180. Not knowing a ton about cars and reading the good reviews on this place, I trusted them and had them replace it. The day after, my car randomly turned off again mid-drive and I was able to take it to a shop by my house in Alameda. They discovered, after only opening the hood, that my oil gasket broke and was flooding my spark plugs which was creating the kill switch - I never actually needed to change the air flow sensor. They also looked up what the mass air flow sensor, and the top price they found was $114 from my car's manufacturer. Genuinely disappointed that I trusted this place.

  Andrew Barakat
4 years ago
Smog Queen is great. It's hard to find honest mechanics, but these folks tell you everything they are doing and give you transparency. They are also kind and funny. The service is great (turn-around times are very quick).As long as I live here, these folks will be my mechanic.

  Nathaniel Michaels
4 years ago
These guys are truly amazing. I was having a weird smog issue with my truck, they were able to properly diagnose the problem, and get it repaired super quick. They were honest and spot on with the estimate. I'm definitely going to make this the first place I go with any issues with my vehicles, and I will be recommending them to all my friends.

  Trevor Myers
3 years ago
This was my first time doing a smog check in California. Gonzalo is fantastic; easy to talk with and very knowledgeable of cars. The whole process took about 10-15 mins. Information is uploaded automatically to the DMV database.If you're in the Potrero Hill area (or not), this is the place to go. Highly recommend!

  George Kal
3 years ago
HIGHLY highly recommend Smog Queen! I cannot say enough good things about this shop and the mechanic G. Incredibly professional and got my car back on the road very quickly. Extremely knowledgeable and prices are more than fair. 10/10!Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance