415 SF Official Star Smog Check Station

Reviews

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

  Jena Davis
a month ago
no where to wait, was pouring rain &instead of offering me to wait inside the shop, he brought a chair to sit in the rain. My check engine light was on and he still ran the test!! He claims he's been doing this for a long time, think he would have looked to see if the light is on and let me know it won't pass with that. (or maybe he did.. He said he didn't notice until after)The vibe I got- he just wanted my money- didn't care to help me. No apology or nothing.

  Craig Angell
2 months ago
Had problems getting certification that had to do with the vehicle having recently had all driving info wiped off. The staff here was very accommodating in helping me to drive long enough & the right type of driving to get the info they needed to certify, plus they encouraged me to go ahead & pay the government fee before the expiration date, even though we did not yet have certification, in order to avoid a penalty. We eventually got there with no penalties. The only reason I did not give them 5 stars is the access to their shop is often congested due to the layout of the gas station where their shop is located.

  Ky Faubion
4 months ago
First- they tried to charge me $200. I knew better. They renegotiated and agreed to my price at $80. Not a good start at all. I should have left. They failed me for the smallest "visual inspection" for a small vacuum hose from 1986 with a tiny crack in it on the outside. It DOESNT LEAK. These guys are after your money- don't go here. I'm irate with their dishonesty. I will forever talk people away from this place. I attached the picture of an engine well maintained from 1986... And they failed me on visual inspection for a tiny crack on the outside of a hose. Once again- it doesn't leak. They're dishonest and hungry for your hard earned money.

  Sarina Powers
4 years ago
Phenomenal Customer Service! I cannot rave enough about the service or their prices! I was running late to my appointment and called the owner to give him an update and he was so gracious and considerate about it that he said there s no need to rush, your safety is first.Being new to the area, he called and checked on me to alleviate any anxiety I may have had in navigating the SF route and traffic!Newman is the absolute Best and A True Pro!Check off all the Exceptional boxes for customer service, convenience, integrity, highest-regard for trade and customers, and delivered on promised service faster than guaranteed!Major gratitude and respectful Karma points Newman!Thank you!Sarina Powers

  Richard Brooks
2 months ago
A great place to smog an older 4WD vehicle from the exhaust pipe as well as a newer vehicle that self tests.

  Cristal Tsang
3 months ago
I always go to 415 SF official star smog check. The service is amazing! Extremely nice, fast, efficient, flexible, and helpful. Numan and his assistant are the best!

  Clare Grossman
7 months ago
Great price (if you call ahead for a deal), TERRIBLE service. I called an hour ahead and was reassured they could do a test, but when I showed up they seemed to have no recollection of talking to me. The employee who helped me (not the owner) was rude, unprofessional, annoyed, and incredibly uncommunicative, and repeatedly told me it was a bad time to come in despite me having an appointment. All that being said, I got my smog test for under $60. Very unpleasant experience though, so be warned.

  RB
4 years ago
It s that time to year again, annual smog inspection for Californians I was searching for a star verified business with great customer service and I found it at 415 SF Official at the Chevron Gas Station in the Castro! Bill is the operator and does ana amazing job of getting customers in and out, explaining what needs to be done (if issues arise) and providing customer service with a smile. His discounts for service, including smog tests are reasonably priced and a GOOD DEAL! If you need a smog check, go see Bill.

  Chris McMahon
4 days ago
Wonderful efficient service. Very fair price.

  Patti Schock
4 months ago
Great place for a quick smog check. Although I didn t have an appointment they did the inspection quickly and efficiently.

  Matt Porta
7 months ago
They are the best. I had not driven my car in a while. They talked me through how to do a reset. Passed no problem.

  dbass1979
a year ago
Fast, friendly, knowledgeable. I like to work with shops that I can trust, regardless of the service I'm looking for (auto, home, etc.). I've been looking for someone to use repeatedly for my smog services, and hadn't found one over the past MANY years. Until now (Oct 2022).The proprietor, I'm sorry I missed his name, was easy to work with, knew his stuff, and was extremely friendly. And QUICK! I was in and out in under 30 minutes, and that included just chatting for a good portion of the time.I've finally found someone I'll go back to.Services: Smog certification, Emissions testing, Registration renewal

  Molly Maloney
a year ago
Excellent 5 star service because Newman made it easy and saw me on time for my appointment. Parking was a breeze at his location (considering it's the Castro centralized location). Dropped off the car and did lots of errands (keys made, sipped tea, sun and relaxation @chairs, caught live performance, etc). Consistently excellent service all these years.Service: Smog certification

  Nick Angelos
4 months ago
These guys were nice, fast and fair. Thank you for getting my smog check done fast.

  Cassandra Sciortino
3 years ago
I called to schedule a smog test and the owner was flexible and gracious when I needed to change my arrival time. When I arrived, I realized the place was quite popular. It was crowded and busy on a very smoky Friday afternoon. The owner's assistant found a spot for me right away, apologized for the pandemic regulation, and told me I could take a walk or go get a cup of coffee while I waited. They were fast and I received a call in less than 20 minutes. I passed the smog test. The cost was significantly lower than any test I have had elsewhere. I was surprised since I did not go for the price, but simply because they were open later than others on a Saturday. Alas, my battery failed when I tried to start my car there and the two men--the owner and his assistant--worked very hard and graciously to start my car and eventually succeeded with a jump from his assistant's car. Though I was taking up valuable real estate and their time on a busy day, they did not wish to charge me a penny. I insisted on tipping anyway, which they insisted was not necessary. I wish they also ran an auto shop because I would go there. Wonderful place! I give it the highest recommendation.Service: Emissions testing

  Preston Burnes
2 years ago
Shop would not provide a STAR smog check quote over the phone, due to needing to "check VIN number," despite having year/make/model of car. Had previously gotten a reasonable price well under $100 here, so I trusted the price wouldn't be ridiculous. Once I drove across town for my appointment and filled out his forms, he immediately quoted me $169 without even so much as looking at my VIN. Obviously that is an egregiously high price for this 10 minute service so I declined his offer. Pricing like that also makes me question the legitimacy of this business.Services: Smog certification, Emissions testing

  Stuart Bogle
a year ago
DO NOT GO HERE! Went here for a smog check and I had never done it before. My old car failed the check and it costs $180. Since this was my first song check ever, I assumed that was a normal price.I took my van to my mechanic and he couldn t believe the cost. My mechanic sent it to his guy and had it done for $50.Service: Smog certification

  Alex Rafter
a year ago
This place has super unethical pricing and they advertise walk ins but make you feel guilty for not having an appointment even while they re still open. They rushed me through the process and overcharged me. I gave 2 stars because they are quick and efficient.

  Vinny
2 years ago
Resonable price (call and get your quote before you go). Timely - got an appointment in a an hour on a sunday. And they honour free re tests. My car failed smog the first time. And they did a couple free re-tests after I got the problems fixed, until it passed. Will definitely be taking my business here in the future.Services: Smog certification, Emissions testingServices: Smog certification, Emissions testing

  Ali Meagher
2 years ago
Very untrustworthy people! I drove in around 2pm on a Sunday and they started by telling me they were closed even though their hours clearly say they are open until 5pm. Then they used that and the fact that they assumed I was a women who knew nothing about how much a SMOG check costs to try to charge me $160!! They had a sign to point to and everything with that price. After spending some time arguing and negotiating with them, I ended up spending $80 which I now know is still absurd for a SMOG check. They were trying to act all nice and apologetic after, but I will definitely never come here again and would not recommend it for anyone who doesn t want to have to negotiate your price. If you want to give your money to kind and trustworthy people, don t come here!

  charles schober
4 years ago
I went here because of the the great reviews that I read and was not disappointed. Newman was very friendly, professional, and thorough. Pricing was very fair and scheduling was a breeze ( even with me rescheduling) I got in with no wait. This location was very convenient. I will definitely be back for any future required STAR Smog tests required by DMV. I couldn t have been any happier with the whole experience and I highly recommend anyone needing a Star Smog done to get your work done there.

  Faiz Sadeq
3 years ago
This place is not transparent with their pricing. Like other people have mentioned earlier, they will try to charge over $100 initially and then bring the price down but then say everything is to be charged separately. Also, I had a Groupon and they didn t let me use it. Said I need to make an appointment 2 weeks out to use it even though I called and made an appt before going in. Their service is good and fast, but just not ethical with their pricing.

  Tim Danison
5 years ago
Make sure that you ask for a firm price quote if you call and make an appointment here. The guy on the phone asks how you found their location and then refers you to the actual station after giving you a rough estimate of the price range. They hit you with the charge after you drive into the service bay, roughly double of what surrounding locations charge. The actual service is fine...quick and effective, and the people are professional and courteous.

  UC Village Sale
a year ago
Excellent service, trustworthy business, friendly people, and great location!

  Gabor Kurucz
3 years ago
I purchased a coupon on Groupon in the morning and went there at 10:00 am when they open. I was expecting maybe they will have time to check my car without an appointment. They said they have time, but if I want to use the coupon I need to come back in a few weeks. They were willing to check the car only if I cancel the coupon and pay them directly. I cancelled the coupon and went somewhere else.

  Kai C
2 years ago
Open 7 days a week . Needed to have a smog done and this smog station offered the service within an hour! Not only the location is fantasticly convenient, but also the entire process was easy and speedy. The owner is super friendly. Be sure to check out this place if you need your car smog checked. Make sure you ask for their cash special. Give this place a try

  Jim Wilson
4 years ago
Needed a star certified smog check for wife's old Mustang. He got me in, next day. Price was very competitive AND he just gave me a face mask after I asked him where he found his, since they're all sold out since the quarantine began. Seemed like very knowledgeable mechanic, though I did not need any additional automotive services at the time.

  Jeff Glickman
a year ago
Friendly, and they were able to take my car within 10 min of the scheduled test. I highly recommend calling ahead!Services: Smog certification, Emissions testingServices: Smog certification, Emissions testing

  Katherine Tomashevsky
4 years ago
I made an appointment a few days before to get my car smogged and went in today. The service was super fast and Bill was very helpful and nice! My 2001 Volvo was serviced in 15 minutes. I would definitely recommend 415 SF Official Star Smog for a quick and convenient smog check.

  Jayme Madison
2 years ago
My check engine light is on and my car needs repairs. I am not from California so smogging is new to me. I did not know that a car cannot pass smog if there are transmission issues which is on me for not educating myself more about smogging. However, the people here could have told me this as they moved my van up themselves to get it in place to run the smog. The engine light was clearly on and they did the process anyways charging me for just to tell me it failed because of the light. They also started the process without disclosing the full price first. Wouldn't come here again.