Santa Monica Smog Check & Test

10/30/09

I agree they need the money

by TLover at Citysearch

I should have read the reviews here first, because my one visit became a week long hassle.

Like others here, I didn't pass the first time. I took my car to my mechanic, he was shocked it didn't pass, said he couldn't really do much, and suggested I drive it for a 1/2 hour before I take it back (I previously had taken it cold). Sure enough I take it in the morning for the retest after driving from Hollywood, and it passes by 15 or 20 points. All the while they were giving me the business about how there machines don't fail people, yada yada.

I almost didn't want to go back to them for the restest, but with the intitial test, a $10 off coupon I found, and the retest it was $75, so it was a little cheaper than if I went some place else.

They must be the only place in town, that doesn't give free retests.

• Pros: Act like your friend
• Cons: Everything else

04/09/09

Professional, fast & courteous service.

by MrS at Citysearch

I always dread getting my cars smogged. I have been to several places in the past looking for the lowest price. The time and effort to find out if the place is legit or not was always a worry. Read the reviews here and decided to give it a try.

I also have a vehicle older than 10 years. So additional CA State rules & fees apply. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly, efficient and quick service. Communication was excellent and Bob explained the Smog printout in detail.

I will definitely go back next time the smog certificate is due again.

As the others have said before, don't forget to bring your coupon from their website.

• Pros: Good communication, friendly & efficient.

02/26/09

They need the money; I always get retested.

by mcbremps at Citysearch

I have been to this smog test only station twice. The first time I had to get a retest for more money. Ask anybody who does smog tests and they will tell you that a retest should be free, no matter what. I took my car to the mechanic before the retest and they didn't do anything to it, they said it should pass. I went back and sure enough it passed. The second experience I went and my car failed. I took it to another station and it passed. I brought it back and they refused to give me a refund because they said anyone can pass depending on how they run the car during the test. This meant that they were making it fail so I had to pay more for a retest. They had poor service and unprofessional customer service. DO NOT GO HERE. A RETEST SHOULD BE FREE. TERRIBLE!

• Pros: NONE
• Cons: They failed me on-purpose!