SMG AUTO STAR CERTIFIED SMOG CHECK, BRAKE and LIGHT INSPECTION (NO PASS NO PAY)

Brittxany

★☆☆☆☆

3 years ago

When I arrived I asked how much it would cost me to do a smog check and break and lamp inspection. I was told 40 for the smog with certificate and 99 for the break and light inspection, I agreed but when he proceeds to do the inspections he comes back to tell me that the smog failed. I was very surprised because my car fairly new and I never had that problem before. He then told me that he wants to help me out, and that he has a friend that works at the DMV that could fix that problem in the computer but the friend charges $300 and he would charge me 100 for the smog he originally said costs 40. I told him I didn’t have that amount of money and could not afford me. He then told me it would cost me more to fix it and to think about it. As I started waking out he said ok I will help you out, just give me 300 instead. But you have to decide now or leave me a deposit. I walked out and went somewhere else and my car passes the smog right away. This place is a SCAM.

Matthew Cobley

★☆☆☆☆

10 months ago

Asked me if I had a check engine light on before they would allow me to make an appointment. I said no. They said they would not be able to check my car, but did send a text saying they can give me a 'wink wink special rate' if my car had one (their words not mine). Astounding that this place isn't shut down.

Cody Vincent

★☆☆☆☆

9 months ago

Found out today that my car needs to be Star Cert smogged. Drove here feeling hopeful since I couldn’t get it done at the previous place. Most places for it are closed on sundays so I was relieved to see that this place was open until 6pm. I drove all the way here only to find the place CLOSED?? Fix your hours!

Ian Dakan

★★★★★

8 years ago

Great price. Good crew. Fast and easy. Cheapest smog I've found in town. Definitely coming back.

G Baer

★★☆☆☆

4 years ago

This place is fast, but also feels sketchy. They are not up front about their pricing, and you should carefully note the fine print on their online coupons. Because they rush you through the process, it's actually not even clear when you can present the coupon or talk about pricing. I would also note that although they say they open at 9, everyone that showed up at 9 just ended up sitting in their cars for half an hour before they would start. If you want something fast and shady, this place is fine. But there are other places to get your smog certification that are comparably priced and a lot more professional.

Adrienne Atencio

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

This place is a SCAM. The average price for auto smog testing in CA is $30-90. They are charging double market price at $220. The unfortunate part is they hook you up to the machine and then have you pay once you’re hooked up and that’s how they pressure you into the payment. Our family has taken our cars here on several occasions in the past. Previously we paid about $40 so we didn’t think twice about taking it here again for this year’s smog testing. I hope others read this review so they don’t get scammed as well. I reported them to the CA Better Business Bureau. I also find it very suspicious after reading other customer reviews that over the last year. They have charged each person different prices, anywhere from 150-400 dollars. It seems like they are literally making up prices on the spot.

Bill Her

★★★★★

6 years ago

What really impressed me is the efficiency to which they operate. I didn't have to get out of my car for more than 5 minutes. Great price, quick service, very pleasant interaction saved me time and money. Would have been happy even if I didn't pass. This is the kind of small business I want to support.

Kathy Kiley

★☆☆☆☆

2 years ago

Disappointing experience, especially after 3 prior positive visits. 1. Website says opens at 9, Google says opens at 10. Actual opening was 10:15am. I was third vehicle in line and was there for over 90 minutes. Definitely not the quick experience I have had in the past. 2. Price - in 2019, I had a car smogged for $28. In 2021, I had a car smogged for $41. In 2023, he asked for $168. He did lower it after I said that was too much. I guess that is how they manage to stay open for only 2 hours a day. I hate to say it, but after recommending this place to friends for years, I will not be doing that and I will not be returning myself. I feel totally ripped off.

Jahdai Hernandez

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

SUPER RUDE ! I called today and politely asked for a smog check price and a man proceeded to yell and me and scream some kind of nonsense gibberish and ended with “RESPECTFULLY I ILLEGALLY PASS CARS FOR 450$, IF THATS NOT WHAT YOURE INTERESTED KEEP ME IN MIND FOR THE FUTURE” I was stunned so all i said was “okay..” and he hung up. anyways after reading all these other reviews they seem to reply with “so and so was NEVER here they wanna tarnish a good name” but they seem like a bunch of scummy scammers and rude people overall. don’t go here. I called another shop nearby and they were so much more helpful and polite. It’s so sad this is what people come to because of their sad lives 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

James Marsden

★☆☆☆☆

Edited 3 years ago

Tried to say my headlights would fail ‘Brake and Light Inspection’ cause they’re not stock. After a 30 minute wait, 5 min inspection, and $200 later, he “turned his head the other way” and gave me the pass. Regardless, one of few places that can do inspections. I’d go to west sac if I ever need another light inspection. 7/21 Update to review: I have my credit card statement and inspection paperwork to prove I was at this business and paid for services. I’m sure any competent person reading this can see “red flags” all over this. If you try to call them, you won’t get on the phone with anyone. No appointments and walk ins only is for a reason. They wouldn’t want to quote you over the phone so they can hustle “deals” in person. Just read their responses to the negative reviews! They’re ridden with typos and spelling errors.

Maya Hawj

★☆☆☆☆

3 years ago

I believe these guys are dishonest and likes to take advantage of female or people who they think don't know too much. I felt like I got ripped off on a recent smog check that I did with these guys. I paid close to $90 out the door for a smog check. It was a long day and I didn't even question the pricing. I think I'm going to file a complaint against them. I dont like being taken advantage of and I really do not like dishonest business. Someone should look into this. I mean if you're legit and honest you'll actually attract more customer by word of mouth.

Edward Aguas

★★★☆☆

Edited 4 years ago

Warning, $28 w/cert is an old price. I paid $50, which was the $32 smog, plus $8 cert plus an extra $10 fee for having it Star certified. I also tried their phone and left a voicemail with no call back. When I asked about their phone...they say they have been having trouble with their AT&T phone line. They also will not tell you the price until your car is already ready to go...what an underhanded tactic. Of course you won't go anywhere else if you're already all hooked up. These sneaky guys...at least they're fast at what they do. With only one or 2 cars in front of me the whole process was under 30 mins. Due to their speed, that's the only reason they get 3 stars. Don't drive out of your way to go here but definitely go if you live close by.

Mimi Lockwood

★☆☆☆☆

3 years ago

The workers there are extremely rude and if I could give zero stars I would. I just went to get a smog this morning and I got there an hour early. The first man that walked up to me was nice at first, and then when I told him there is not a current check engine light on my dash board but I had to replace my gas cap yesterday and the code for that might pop up he immediately had an attitude. I told him my dad is a mechanic and has been for years, and that he has checked my car (a 2016 Jeep Compass) and ensured me that the only issue was the gas cap. He explained to me that I have to drive 150 miles for that code to disappear and I said that was totally fine and I would come back, then he proceeds to say that mentioning that my dad is a mechanic is "condescending" and that it was rude and I had an attitude with him and not to come back that he was refusing service. What girl doesn't mention something that her dad tells her at any car shop? How is that rude? I had no issue coming back after the 150 miles at all I got in my car and was about to leave and that's when he said don't return. His coworker then walks up and says "hey you don't need to ruin a good day." It was just handled really poorly, I am not one to leave reviews but when I leave a business crying I am not going to keep my mouth shut. I even tried apologizing and said I didn't mean for it to come off as an attitude and I'm sorry if it came off that way and he said "I don't need you to keep talking you aren't welcome here." It sucks because I have come here before and worked with another worker and had no issues. They need to rethink their employees.

Alex Hastain

★★★★★

6 years ago

This place was fast, professional and efficient with they job they did. The line was pretty long but I was out of there in 20-30 minutes. They process 2 cars at a time and it takes them roughly 20 minutes per couple of cars. I would highly recommend this smog shop if you're looking for a star certified location! This was truly a great experience all around!

Nikita Gurzhiy

★☆☆☆☆

3 years ago

BEWARE ITS A SCAM!!! They have a bot that claims that "blank "wasn't in the system or whatever but it's false. They charge absurd prices, and their no pass no pay guarantee is also false. I went for brake light, didn't pass from some incredibly minor issues such as light not being flush with bumper. They said i didn't pass and then said for 300 bucks they could look the other way and let me pass. Incredibly crooked, evil minded people that seemed fine at first. After I wanted my money back from their no pass no pay for ANY service policy" they just walked away. I recorded and sent the conversation to BBB and the fraud department. DO NOT COME HERE if you value your time money and mental health.

Danny Samatmanivong

★★★★★

7 years ago

Feeling this place. Came here with my lady a few times and the front desk guy Daniel, hooked us up. Best smog price in town. Just mention "28" and spend $19.99 for It! Saved us alot, and they'll try their best to get you in on a busy day. They fly through everything accurately and great customer service.

John McDonald

★★★★★

6 years ago

From one shop owner, to another. You guys are AWESOME! They are efficient, courteous, honest, and their prices beat out anyone in the area! They EARN your business. They get the work done, don’t waste your time or your money, and get you on your way I would recommend these guys over anyone else that I have dealt with. John McDonald Silly Rabbit Tuning