Blue Ribbon Automotive & Star Smog

Andrew McCombs

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

They tried to charge me $700 for welding out one catalytic converter and it was going to 8-6 hours before completing. Told my wife this extravagant story about how they would need to pull down my entire exhaust to do so, when I know for a fact, it did not need to pulled and it could be welded in place. With that being said, I took my truck where I normally go to get work done. Guess what? $150 and an hour later, my catalytic converter was welded on and my vehicle was back home.

Jeannette Eversen

★★★★★

2 years ago

Took my Toyota in to be smogged. Even though it’s walk-in only, I was in and out in less than an hour for only $65. Always fantastic customer service. Been going to them for years, and will continue to use them.

Stacey Andersen

★☆☆☆☆

3 years ago

I had the engine replaced in my car at this shop and spent approximately $6,000.00. The shop is located in Bakersfield and I live near Fresno. I broke down on the way home and a tow truck driver recommended this shop to me. A few weeks after picking up my car, I received a notification on my car that the oil pressure was low and to pull over immediately. I did so, and there was no oil in my car. I added oil. A little over a week went by and I decided to check the oil again, and even though I put in three bottles of oil, it was again very low. I also noticed at this time a small oil leak in my driveway. I took it to the dealership who advised me that there was a pin-sized hole in the oil filter and a leaky valve gasket. They advised me to call Blue Ribbon and indicated it was because they put on faulty parts. I called blue ribbon and they asked me to tow my car over 100 miles to them to have them fix it. I refused. They then asked me to wait a couple days for them to find a local shop. At this point I had been without a car for a couple days already and I'm a single mom with kids who need to go to school. I had already paid $200.00 to the dealership to be told Blue Ribbon was responsible. I went ahead and had the dealership repair my car and was charged $640.00. I contacted Blue Ribbon and asked them to pay for half, $320.00, and they have refused. They indicated that it would have been "free" for me if I went through them, which is obviously not true. It would have been "free" for them. I think I was exceptionally nice to offer only half, especially considering it is 100% their fault and I spent $6,000.00 with them already. So now I have to file a small claims action against them and drive all the way to Bakersfield anyways. Please do NOT take your vehicle here.

Daniel Tirado

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

No Mike, I'm not too happy, I got my car back after been over there for approximately a month and I'm sitting in the same boat except I'm $143 in the whole plus all my time that I've been out with only thing to show for is just a shiny aftermarket K and N air filter that I could've done myself for 350 bucks. Not sure where to go from here on how to get my car smogged. Thank you for asking.

Sebastian

★★★★★

a year ago

I really appreciate the help and guidance from this shop. It was time for a smog check and my check engine light was on. Based on the analysis my cat was bad. This shop guided me and helped me get assistance i needed to get the part replaced. Truly grateful. Good people.

R M

★★☆☆☆

2 years ago

I won't go back. I apologize for the long review in advance. I had been going here for probably near 20 years (before they were on TV anyway), and had multiple vehicles smogged. They were usually quick with newer cars (plug and play) and cost wasn't bad. But over the years there were various recurring issues, internet down, machine down, tech out or at lunch (I do understand people have to eat but an inconvenience nonetheless). When you take a vehicle once every two years and those problems happen regularly, that's an issue. Most recently, I took a "new to me" older vehicle (OBD1) to get smogged. The tech said the visual and the sniffer tests were good but it failed because the timing advance was set 10 degrees OVER the factory setting (vehicle was running great). They estimated about $200 to do the work to set it back to factory. I do a lot of my own vehicle repair but had never dealt with distributor vehicles before. So, a quick Amazon order of a Haynes repair manual and a timing light and I was under the hood. Timing was actually 2 degrees LESS then factory spec. (Distributor bolt was rusted down so I know the shop didn't change it when I first dropped it off). I adjusted it to factory and I called the owner and explained what I found. He said to bring it in and they would try and see what they could do about retest price and smog cert. I went back to smog it and the owner was out and their machine was down ("Had been down 10 times in two months" according to employee). About a week later I called and they said the machine was up and I'd be able bring the vehicle in. I arrived about 11 and the owner wasn't jn again. I however talked to the tech about what had occurred previously. He told me he had a vehicle in front of me and he had to leave for personal reason (nothing against him we all have personal lives) and I still would not get a smog check again. Fed up at this point, I drove the vehicle to the next parking lot (You can see one business from the other) and smogged it at that place. Passed no issues. I won't go back to Blue Ribbon.

Judy Armendariz

★★☆☆☆

3 years ago

Although they were able to fix my car so it would pass smog, I went in at 10:30, had my 2 yr old great granddaughter with me. They told me what they needed to do and would start on it right away. They didn't tell me they had to order the part, they didn't tell me that everyone in the garage went to lunch at the same time. I had to get the stroller and walk to get the baby lunch..late. she missed her nap and until I complained they didn't call for the part. I was very unhappy with the extended customer service and lack of concern from the male service person at the front desk. At one point he laughed at me for being upset. I will pick another place to take my car to

Charles W.

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

I had to change my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars tell you why !! I went to Blue Ribbon Auto to get my 1991 toyota smogged Everyone one was polite and respectful. I had a free voucher from Valley Cann to assist with any repairs that may be needed to pass smog and to help our environment ie: air quality. It was an crazy experience because there was a foot pursuit by the fine men and woman from BPD. Yes they caught the guy. I would have given 5 stars but Only thing I can complain about? is now my check engine lights is on, and my engine makes loud noises and shakes. Which was not present when I brought it in. All fairness I did not notify them when I got home. I'm am still going to bring another car in for a smog check. Here is the change from 4 to 5 stars, I was very low on oil, added some and bam engine light went off.

Billiam Richardson

★★★★★

5 years ago

Awesome and helpful staff. They were busy but still kept acknowledging that I was there and that they would be with me shortly. The smog service was quick and painless and they do a complimentary vehicle check and put suggestions on the invoice. I highly recommend Blue Ribbon Automotive & Smog. Chris Rodman

Laurie Frayre

★★★★★

4 years ago

We've had smog checks done on multiple vehicles at Blue Ribbon for many years. Our vehicles have passed every time and no issues have ever been mentioned. The employees are friendly and polite, and the waiting area is clean.

Nancy Rudolph

★★★★★

6 years ago

Fast and efficient! Dropped off our motorhome in the A.M. they advised it would be a couple of hours due to customers ahead of us. They called is about 1 hour later to advise the test was complete. They are very pleasant and friendly. Will be back and will recommend.

Leo Riviera

★★★★★

Edited 2 years ago

I had to smog my 1988 RV and Blue Ribbon Automotive took care of it with no problems or hesitation. Passed and I was out of there. I will be coming back to smog my other vehicles! Went back for my two year renewal, still the same great service!!

Fernando Picazo

★★★★★

2 years ago

I got my 1995 Mustang smogged here! Professional fast service and very friendly guys had a great conversation with them! I will now be bringing all my cars here for service !

Raymond Chavez

★☆☆☆☆

9 years ago

They were great before but now they have some new faces. I do believe this place is a scam I have not ever had a problem before but now I go in with a car that I have never had an issue with and walk out with a engine light. They don't say much in how to help or let me know about the CAP program they just said to pay them $99 for a diagnostic it made it sound like they are after the money more then helping. A few hours later my engine light is gone and now I would be taking my business elsewhere they lost this customer.

Rafael Castro

★★★★★

6 years ago

I haven't even been to the shop but I had to give them thanks. I'm a diesel mechanic and work on a few things on my personal Ford. Recently I changed out the PCM and called them up to have the new one programmed. I was on hold for a little while but I didn't mind because the secretary asked a few people there and found out that since I ordered it using my VIN number, it was already programed to my key and set to CA CARB standards. I appreciate the help and professionalism. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day

Wendy Powell

★★★★★

3 years ago

I've been getting my SMOG here for close to 20 years. They are always very friendly and it's usually a short wait for completion. I would and do highly recommend Blue Ribbon. Hours of operation are M-F 8am to 5pm.

Christopher Willis

★★★★★

2 years ago

The best service in a pinch. We needed a new brake light. We got the part, and he put it on all in less than 20 minutes. They came through in the clutch.