San Rafael Smog

Reviews

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

  Mark Strassman
3 months ago
Did not honor the online coupon price (or even the standard pricing) on his Web site, and charged me $85, when their coupon price (and most of the competition) was $50 out the door, including certificate. Said that was "old from the previous owner," but only after I had been waiting for an hour after 3 other vehicles to be finished. Once the test started, it was fast, but this was a serious bait-and-switch, with the whole "old owner website" story. Stay away.

  Mark Levie
4 months ago
I have used this test lock-in the past and it has been an enjoyable experience until yesterday. The employee closed the entrance during his lunch break without any exterior notification of his break and when I entered the front door to politely ask him when he would reopen he snidely stated when I m done with my lunch to which I replied approximately when will that be? He indignantly replied perhaps in another twenty minutes. Apparently he had already closed an hour before as another customer had been patiently waiting outside for him already. Needless to say I will never use their service again and suggest instead to use the one at 108 Bellam Blvd which is one minute away and very professional in all aspects of their service. Don t be treated like a second class citizen at Sanrafaelsmog at 36 Lisbon St unless you like to be treated poorly.

  Thomas Cahill
4 years ago
This place is fantastic. As others have mentioned the service is fantastic, great employees that give new perfect time estimates, a comfortable waiting room with fast free wifi and a reasonable price. (call ahead, message them here or check online for the best deals)This is a true small locally run business that exemplifies excellence in service.

  Steve Brown
2 months ago
The attendant was rather surly at first but was ok. Smogged me for $50. It was quick with no line. It's located in the alley, not in the places across the street.

  Ellie
2 years ago
Loved that they open on time, came here on a rainy morning and was first in line. The driveway is where the line starts and he is FAST. In n out real quick.Mention the coupon on line and you are good to go! My family brings all our cars here.

  Whitney Long
7 months ago
Read the low reviews! Dude just lied to my face. Said they close at 4:30 when everywhere online says 5:00. His reasoning was that the owner has five stores and the 5:00 time relates to a different store. Said he told his boss but boss has yet to change. Earlier in day I called and the guy mentioned something about ordering lunch at 11, but there might be traffic so he might not be there, etc. I had no idea what or why he was telling me all this but it goes hand in hand with others have said in their reviews. Joke of a business.

  Angela Smith
4 weeks ago
Price on website way less than what I was charged! Very dissappointing.

  Kathleen Lucido
5 months ago
Excellent - fast, friendly customer service oriented shop. A must go for your smog check needs.

  nina shortridge
a year ago
I have been going here for years. This is THE best place to get your smog cert taken care of. Great staff- kind, professional. Lounge to wait in while your car is smogged. And today I was in and out with no wait. Great business, you can't go wrong here.

  Ed Shea
a month ago
Fast and courteous- I highly recommend SR Smog

  Daniel R Bell
2 months ago
Tuesday they were closed. I drove from Fairfax

  David Arias
9 months ago
Yesterday, I visited San Rafael Smog for the purpose of obtaining a smog test for my vehicle. Having been a long-standing patron of this establishment, I had always been warmly greeted by the previous manager/owner, an amiable older Hispanic gentleman, accompanied by his wife and their charming dog, who collectively operated the shop.Regrettably, the retired owners have passed the torch to a Smog Inspector named Matthew Garcia, who presently oversees the operations. It is with a sense of disappointment that I express my concern regarding the notable decline in the quality of service at this establishment. Mr. Garcia's conduct during my recent visit was both disconcerting and unprofessional.From the outset of our interaction, when my fianc� and I introduced ourselves, Mr. Garcia exhibited an argumentative demeanor and displayed a propensity for taking shortcuts. To my surprise, Mr. Garcia informed me that I needed to provide a letter containing a barcode in order to receive his services.After giving me grief for not having said letter, Mr. Garcia presented an invoice of $65 for the smog test. In a courteous manner, I inquired about the price increase from $50 to $65. Mr. Garcia responded by suggesting that I should consider myself lucky to be charged such a competitive rate, as the prevailing market price for a smog test ranges from $90 to $100.Subsequently, I kindly requested that Mr. Garcia extend to me the customary discounted rate of $50, considering my years of loyalty as a customer. It was at this point that Mr. Garcia's unprofessional conduct became increasingly evident, as he condescended and employed sarcasm. With a mocking laugh, he said Sure, how about we drop it to 20 dollars hell, let s make it zero dollars and I ll just give you a smog test for free. He then proceeded to emphasize how fortunate I should consider myself for not being subjected to higher charges. Despite his demeanor, my fianc� urged us to overlook his attitude and proceed with the smog test.Observing the prices prominently displayed on the website, I discovered, as expected, that customers were explicitly encouraged to request the discounted rate of $50, indicated in bold red font.Upon presenting Mr. Garcia with this information, specifically highlighting the conspicuous statement on the website, he dismissively retorted, "Well, you never mentioned a coupon, so how could I have known you desired a discount?"Notably, the vehicle I brought in for the smog test had been stationary in a garage for an extended period and required a jump start. While waiting in the reception area, I contemplated whether or not the car had had a chance to complete its emissions self-check beforehand, rendering it "not ready" for smog testing.However, I assumed that Mr. Garcia would detect any such notification when he connected the On-Board Diagnostics Scanner to the vehicle. Unfortunately, Mr. Garcia neglected to employ an OBD scanner and proceeded to conduct the smog test. It was only after the completion of the test that he informed me of the vehicle's failure due to its unreadiness for testing a matter that could have been effortlessly identified beforehand had he adhered to the necessary protocol of connecting the OBD scanner.To my dismay, Mr. Garcia demanded the full price for the failed smog test and an additional $25 for a retest. Reminding him of the previously discussed discounted price from the website, I sought a reasonable resolution.Mr. Garcia then engaged in a shockingly unacceptable course of action. While acknowledging the requisite discount, he proceeded to strike out the initial $25 fee for the retest and replaced it with an inflated charge of $35.I am compelled to assert that Matthew Garcia exhibits the most disreputable and unprofessional conduct I have ever encountered in my personal or professional life. Notably, my fianc� was so distressed by our interaction with Mr. Garcia, she began crying on the drive back to our residence.

  Paula K
a year ago
No wait and they were very quick with it. No wasted time. I was in and out. I will come back here for the fair pricing even if I don't need a star station next time!

  Kimberly
2 years ago
Great service. Apologized several times and thanked me for my patience because they were busy. There were two cars in front of me, one older model, which takes longer, so I don't think the wait was long at all relatively speaking. Very quick once my vehicle was hooked up. Easy, quick paperwork and payment.Free WiFi. So can play games or go on social media or stream a show while waiting. Inside waiting room or outside chairs for nice days.Would recommend to friends.If you need a smog test, know lots of other people do too, all days and times of the week, so give yourself at least an hour.

  Mark Baker
10 months ago
Took me right in. Reasonably priced. Easy to get to. Took 10 minutes and I was good to go

  Nicholas Gribens
2 years ago
There website says there open at 8am, but the guy takes days off randomly, amd has it all-over his website that he's Open from 8 AM until 6 PM, which is alive. I drove all the way here for him to be taken the day off. Off. I asked The Body Shop across the street and they said he ran only takes days off and opens lit opens late. This place is a lie with their schedule.

  Mike Vais
6 years ago
Awesome place, both Carl and Carlos were very friendly and helpful. There is a ton of parking in the back and a nice waiting room. The test was really quick. It was a big relief to be able to get this done in less than an hour on a weekday morning!

  philip ramsey
2 years ago
A good no-frills place to go to get a smog check. You just mention the coupon and you get a discount. You are quoted the total cost before the testing starts. It can get busy with a line of cars after 4pm. The hardest part is finding the shop. It is a slender building with a gate that is easy to miss on a congested narrow street.

  Raymond Rifenburg
3 years ago
Excellent. Having a place to park makes arrival super easy. Checkin was fast and easy and all the proper pandemic protocols are followed. There is a comfortable waiting area and the smog check is done professionally and the results submitted directly to the DMV. The hospitality is wonderful. I felt at home.

  J D
2 years ago
This place is great! I needed a smog ASAP. I showed up around 3 on a weekday, there were 2 men ahead of me and I was in and out of there in less than 30min. I met Carl, as he was the only one there, that I could see. Super nice guy! Professional but still really friendly. I would 100 % refer this place for your smog check. Btw- I never write reviews but a huge- Right On! For awesome customer service Service: Smog certification

  Mo Adib
4 years ago
This place is great. They are very friendly, QUICK and customer oriented and expert at their work. Carl helped me out a lot with a couple simple quick fixes on my car and it save $$$ no going to a mechanic.

  Jimmy Carevich
5 years ago
This is the place to take your vehicle to get a smog check! Carlos was very helfpful and knowledgeable. I not only felt very comfortable bringing my van here, but the staff were very professional and pleasant to talk with. Carlos explained everything to me so I could easily understand. Highly recommend! When I got the Thumbs up knowing van passed I was very relieved. San Rafael smog is easy to find. Parking is simple as is getting in and out. the price is right.

  Daniel Samuels
6 years ago
Outstanding service!I wasn't sure my old car would pass to he honest... but the guy did everything in his power to get it done right!His patience and hard work ethic really shows!If you ever need your car tested, don't go anywhere else!

  Will Smith
a year ago
Great place. Was able to accommodate my 24' long Sprinter RV. Good price and fast service.

  dae han
7 years ago
The guy worked there wasn't nice and didn't care about customers. He tried to charge me $60 but lower to $50 after I said it said $43 on the website. He said Star certified whatever is more expensive. I ended up going to a different place and it was simply $43. Don'the pay more and don'the recommend this place.

  KKD City
6 years ago
Not only do I take our cars to this place - I also drive my client's cars for their Smog Certificates to San Rafael Smog. $40.00 ( WITH coupon- or a mention of the coupon) )Short, Sweet, Professional. The owner, Carl, is very gracious and smart. His assistant, Carlos is as professional and kind. Nice little Waiting Room.

  Di A
3 years ago
Do not go here they do not honor prices on the website. Took my truck and it should have been $55.00 and he would not honor the price and wanted to charge me $80.00. Bait and switch BEWARE!!

  J Privacy
8 years ago
Carlos is a wonderful & honest person. Truly a pleasure to get a car smogged here! $40 in & out quick. Service with a smile. Smell the roses on the tree outside - they're so fragrant and beautiful!

  Anyra Papsys
4 years ago
Easy, quick, and cheap! Check their website for a $40 deal. Guy was so nice and it only took about 15 mins. Definitely recommend!

  marcus temple
7 months ago
Helpful friendly fast andAffordable