Smog This

Reviews

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

  Doc Rev
3 months ago
Service was quick. Dude was a bit rough in interaction, but not rude. Dude was upfront about pricing. I was worried when he wrote the estimate because it did not reflect the verbalized pricing but when it came time to pay it was exactly as he had verbalized from the beginning. My opinion: if you're a vet and have dealt with blunt individuals then service there should not bother you; if you have never experienced a person being straight to the point and focused on getting the job done without worrying about including common pleasantries in dialogue then take a breath, chill, and remember you went to the shop for a specific service that they will complete for the stated price. Would return.

  Alyssa Sheridan
3 months ago
Horrible customer service, do not go here! I love supporting my veterans so I opted for this smog shop over countless others in the area. The owner's attitude was rude and abrasive from the start. Despite my efforts to maintain a positive interaction, things took a turn for the worse when I tried to redeem a coupon at checkout.The owner, rather than being helpful, made me feel foolish for not noticing the fine print that required coupon presentation during check-in. While I acknowledge my oversight, the owner's condescending behavior was completely uncalled for. To add insult to injury, after handing over my card, he proceeding to charge me $80 for a smog check and sarcastically said, "at least it's $10 off on Fridays!"Charging $80-90 for a smog check is outrageous, and I refuse to support a business that operates in this fashion. I won't be returning, and I sincerely hope the owner learns to run his business more professionally, refraining from using misleading coupons, overcharging customers and being downright rude. Do better vet.

  Nicole Miller
4 months ago
This place is criminal. Totally ripped me off and charged me $90 for a smog check. I called the next day from a different number and asked how much it would be for the same exact car and the same guy said $46!!! Then tried to back pedal and say oh that s just a special price for today seriously?! Don t go here, literally 50 other places in Oceanside that do smog checks for half the price. He just took advantage of the little blonde girl in the Porsche from out of state. KARMA to him. But my lesson is learned. Always call around for prices to be sure you re not getting ripped off.

  Barbara Bourland
4 months ago
My husband and I have used this location for years. On October 30, 2023 I took my car in for a required smog inspection for vehicle registration renewal which was due January 2, 2024. It failed the inspection.On the same day, right after the failure, I took my car to Toyota for repair. After explaining the situation I was informed by the technician that my "engine light" was on and that my car shouldn't have been smog tested. If your "engine light" is on it will fail. Needless to say I was quite angry. Who in their right mind would pay $74.75 to have a car smogged if it's knowingly going to fail?Turned out I had a faulty gas cap, but I didn't know that until the next day.After dropping my car off at Toyota, and before going home, my husband an I drove back to Smog This and spoke to James. He admitted knowing the test would fail and that he wasn't required to tell me and it's not his problem. I asked him to make good on the money already spent and he refused. He did offer a retest discount. I reported him to the (B)ureau of (A)utomtive (R)epair.Apparently it is a morality issue, principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong. Does he HAVE to tell me, no, versus SHOULD he tell me, yes. I believe I should have been told to begin with or at least compensated after I made a complaint.Now that I know which direction his morality lies we will never do business with him ever.James, I hope your choice of morality was worth it.

  sun Diego
4 months ago
Worst smog shop ever- shady place, Owner/manager is super rude and a D bag. Zero customer service. communication is zero- total idiot- dont know how this place is still in business. Stay outside, dont come in is the sign hahaha.. the guy comes out and writes you up... did I mention the owner is a D-bag, unprofessional guy, rude and scammer- tried to charge me more than what he quoted on the phone. Avoid this place for you and your car's safety. Expensive scammer. Check out other reviews-everybody says the same about this shop and the owner fool.

  Leann Prowse
9 months ago
I called to make an appointment and they asked me when I would like to come in and I said in a hour and was told that would be fine.When I arrived the owner met me at the door and said you have an appointment don't you and I said yes. He gave me the paperwork to fill out and got my keys and took my car back to smog it. I got there at 3:15 and was out of there by 3:30. Not only was he polite, professional and efficient, he was just an all around person who cares about his customers and wants to make them happy and doesn't want to waste my time. This is the second time I have been here and will be back for a third. Thank you to the owner who made my visit an enjoyable one, and the price was great also.Service: Smog certification

  Brandon Chism
7 months ago
DONT COME HERE! He wouldn't honor a coupon on his own site that WASN'T expired or excluded my car. Charged me extra, used a quarter tank of my gas somehow within 2 minutes, then said he couldn't get a reading. He litteraly tried for 2 minutes. He was also a little rude but I just dismissed it as him being busy but don't come here.

  Terri S
a month ago
Fast, friendly and reasonably priced Star smog station. It is in the Wienerschnitzel strip mall. Happy Smog Checking!

  Daniel DeLaCruz
2 months ago
I've been a walk-in twice & both times I was treated respectfully and was in & out in a timely manner. I'll be back.again in 2 years when it's time for another smog!

  Jay Cee
2 months ago
I had tried this station during the last Smog Check for my Ford Ranger, and was satisfied with the place, so gave them a call first. James gave a quote, and we arranged a time window. Got in and out of there per the quote and time window, no problems, so plan on returning next time around.Service: Smog certificationService: Smog certification

  Dominick Edwards
3 months ago
Bad place to go for a smog over priced and nickel and dime you for anything even breathing or setting a foot inside the place LOL! SEEK OTHER SMOG SHOP. THERE ARE OTHER SHOPS THAT WILL RE-SMOG YOU FOR FREE IF YOU FAIL!!! SHADY SMOG SHOP.

  Julian Moreno
3 months ago
I've come here for 6 years in a row, good customer service and best price around

  Scott Walsh
3 months ago
Great service. Always get my cars smogged here

  Sofia P
4 years ago
It was my first time getting a smog test done ever. The owner took the time to explain the charges as well as details of the services. Reasonable pricing, coupon applicable, and done without an appointment. He was extremely friendly and even went the extra step to make sure I knew what to do concerning sending in my vehicle registration. Absolutely would recommend and thank you for making the process more comfortable.

  YT SD (ETF Stud)
a year ago
I'm only posting, because of the encounter with who ever the guy was working here on 2/10 between 12:30 and 13:30. Long story short I was having issues with my transmission and got towed to AAMCO earlier that morning. I needed to work so I took my laptop and walked over to Taco Bell where I had breakfast and worked a few hours. After working, I started walking back to AAMCO and made a stop at the Greenbier Plaza. I sat down in one of the seats outside of the Smog This to finish a juice I purchased from the donut shop and reply to a text. As I was getting ready to leave, the guy from Smog This came out aggressively in front of another customer and asked if I was waiting on a smog check. I said no and that I was getting ready to leave. He points to the sign and says "see the sign for customers only. The place was completely empty except for the one other person sitting outside. I left a minute later. I almost turned around to go back and tell the guy I didn't appreciate how he spoke to me, but I figured it was not worth my time. I'm not shocked this store has lower ratings compared to others. I'm glad there's so many other options to get a smog test where they don't have people like this working at them. There's a way to get your point across without being a jerk. I will never give this place any business.

  William Tsao
2 years ago
Scammer. I called in and asked about the price with coupon. He asked me about the car and make of the car and he said yes I can use the coupon and it will be $25. When I got there he said that it starts at $25 and he wanted almost double. Then as I am walking out since I didn't want to get service from him, he called me a Jackass. Great way to lie to your customers and then calling them names.

  Da�a Gonzalez
4 months ago
Honest, efficient, been in business for long time. Nice man!

  Leslie Hickcox
3 years ago
I have gotten my car emissions tested here 3 times. I was a little nervous going this year during Covid, but once I got there felt completely safe. The owner has gone above and beyond to follow all safety protocols. Service was on time, quick, friendly, professional and a great value when using the cash only coupon. I called for an appointment and was able to get in that same day. I was very satisfied. I highly recommend and will return when I need my car emissions tested again.Services: Smog certification, Emissions testing

  Shane Fournier
a year ago
Alright, this is a long overdue review, but after yesterday's visit, I am forcing myself to sit down and write this review. Let's start from the beginning. I started going to Smog This about eight years ago. I found a coupon that said cash price, so I went in, got my smog check done without issue, paid the quoted price, and went on my way. Next smog check I needed, I found a cheaper place that also took appointments. I made an appointment at this other place, and not only were they double booked, but they took a non-appointment in front of us. I waited almost two hours to save $5. Needless to say, I went running back to Smog This for my next smog check. I have taken my wife's truck, father-in-law, and my car to Smog This. I have both walked in and made appointments. I do not remember being there longer than 45 minutes as a walk-in. Yesterday I had an appointment at 10 am. I got to Smog This at 9:50 and was greeted by name. I was driving home at 10:05. I find some of these one-star reviews amusing. Most people are complaining about the coupon price. It states cash price and trucks/SUVs extra. If you think it's the same test, why the price difference? Here you go. Every smog place charges extra for trucks and SUVs because they are heavier and more demanding on the equipment, causing more wear and tear. If you want to know the price, then be an adult and ask the technician what the cost will be before you hand over your keys. All smog places charge a certificate fee and will have that cost in the fine print of their coupons. I will continue to go to Smog This with my coupon and pay with cash for the foreseeable future. If you want to save $5 going to another place, go for it, but my time is valuable, and James knows how to get his customers in and out as quickly as he can so you can go about your day. Smog This is also a test-only STAR station, so you do not have to worry about where your DMV notice says you must go. It meets all the requirements every time.Yesterday, James also informed me that my vehicle had a recall. While I knew that already I would assume most people have no idea about recalls on their vehicles. James took the extra time to print off the recall and review it with me before I left. I very much appreciated that information.Service: Smog certification

  Wesley Albritton
5 months ago
Owner is very rude and unprofessional. I would not recommend spending your money where you are respected and appreciated for being a customer

  kathleen kelly
4 years ago
This is a great place to take your vehicle. It is in a strip mall, which is really a nice place for women, because you are actually waiting in a real waiting room, not a garage. It is a veteran owned business which I really appreciate coming from a military family. The price is very fair, and the owner is very nice. I will continue to take my car here from now on.

  Priscilla Garcia-Serena
3 years ago
Call ahead of time make an appointment and they take care of you within 30 minutes. Great customer service you just drop off your key there's a donut and coffee shop couple doors down so go get a coffee and by the time you get back boom your car is done.

  Ariel Love
4 years ago
I wish I had read the reviews before going to this place. The rigid personality of the man I encountered is definitely not something I would recommend anyone experiencing. He became short with me when I told him I have a coupon and then he began yelling at me when I asked him to explain the charges that made his price.

  Scott Dyer
4 years ago
Advertised price of $21.75 plus certificate fee is bait and switch. Got there and was informed suv would cost a little more. That doesn't make any sense because the procedure is the same. Whatever, at this point I just wanted to finish it up. Without telling me how much more he ran the test then charged me $58!! Could've done it for $38 at any local shop. Wish I had read the reviews before going there

  Amanda Letlow
3 years ago
2020- I cannot recommend this place enough! I loved how conscientious he was with our current pandemic. James is professional, courteous, and will get my business every time! Thank you again!2018- So I tried Smog This for the first time today, after being turned away from another place. I didn't know where to go but we found the ad/coupon and they had a great deal. My mom needed a smog for her registration and James was so kind to take me in (tags are due on Sunday) at the last minute. I felt really bad for showing up close to them closing for the day (and because it was so hot today). I'm very happy to support our veterans, especially our Marines. Thank you so much again!!

  Andrew Weart
8 years ago
Took my vehicle in today for a DMV Smog Certification. The gentlemen working was very nice and serviced my car in about 15 minutes. Very smooth and easy. Used the coupon offered from the web and paid $40 total. Good service and no issues. Thanks.

  b f
3 years ago
Had a great experience.. Got me in the same day early and was taken even before my appointment time (because i was early). In and out in no time and on my way. Great guy ! and will be a repeat customer for my other vehicle..

  Priscilla Taylor
7 years ago
Customer service was professional, James was very helpful and the waitng period was less that 30 minutes. The waiting area was clean and the only thing that I did notice was a smell of cigar smoke, which I did not care for. But the service was excellent. Thank you, James

  Twyla
3 years ago
My experience with Smog This was all positive. They used excellent precautions for the COVID19 issues. I got a coupon from their website and made an appointment the same day. They were ready when I arrived and completed the test quickly and got me back on the road.

  Rigoberto Salazar
6 years ago
If your looking for a place to smog DO NOT COME HERE, so unprofessional and and rude, they told me they would charge me 55$ and when it was time to pay they guy charged me 81$? After my vehicle failed the test, then said they would charge me another 60$ to retest, when it should be free, worst customer service ever, it s a disgrace to see the Marine Corps flag on the wall, that guy talks to you like your stupid, this place just rips you off with no remorse, go somewhere else, can t believe they are still open, there is plenty of other people that had the same experience as me DO NOT COME HERE. I literally just created an account to leave a comment on this place. HORRIBLE