A1 Smog Test

5.0 (62 reviews)

Smog Check Stations

Closed • 9:00 am - 2:30 pm

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A1 Smog Test - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cajon, California

A1 Smog Test - Good prices as well - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cajon, California

A1 Smog Test - Good place and has a star! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Eric S.

The owner is very very friendly. He smogged my 2004 Jeep. I happened to use this place because it was close to my house and my Jeep loves to give me problems with the emissions, once I knew that the emissions system was ready I just wanted to get it done. I mentioned that there were coupons for other places to try and angle a discount and he was quick to explain that Star Stations don't do discounts but will dishonestly not disclose that until you arrive and then force you to pay more. He explained the whole process, charged me, and I was on my way.

First time here and I will be coming back! As soon as I pulled up he greeted me. Amazing customer service. Quick and fast service! Thank you

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Ray F.

12 years ago

Super friendly. Fast and efficient. This is my go to place for smog. Highly recommended!

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Sd S.

11 years ago

This guy is awesome. Called after work at 4:30pm to ask the price of a smog and if they were open on Saturdays. The guy gave me a great price (beat the popular place in El Cajon $20 off price) and asked if I could come in that evening. I was surprised he would take it that late most car places don't. Got there a little bit before 5 and was out by 5:20, certificate to DMV and now I don't have to do this errand on a Saturday!!!! read more

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jennifer L.

11 years ago

Just had the best experience! So quick, easy, and convenient and very affordable. Will definitely be back.

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Brittany L.

11 years ago

Very quick smog check! Owner is very friendly. There's a waiting room with a few chairs.

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Mike Y.

11 years ago

Simple non pretentious smog testing facility where I've been doing smog checks for the last eight years. Prices are slightly below other competitors. read more

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Korine H.

10 years ago

Super fast !! No wait ! I will continue to get my smogs here. Highly recommend this shop

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Julissa P.

8 years ago

Very fast and the cheapest I've seen. He was very nice and welcoming, it all took about 15-20mins! I will be coming back here for my next smog! read more

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Steve G.

12 years ago

Super friendly, extremely fast and competitive prices. What more can one ask for. I will be back with my other cars.

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Ignazio P.

130

8 years ago

Excellent and fast service. He greated me the second I parked. He was extremely nice and seems to be a hard worker. I saw here on Yelp his place grew on word of mouth alone, without any advertisement. I wanted to support that. I work with my uncle in a small family restaurant who's excelled through word of mouth as well, seeing that I knew he was a great choice. $40 for a reliable, nice, quick smog test is a great deal. Especially seeing how some places the people can randomly jack up the price for no reason. read more

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C P.

8 years ago

This is the best place you can go to in El Cajon. The owner is honest, friendly very professional. He won't tray and take your money explains everything to you and is fair. Everything is done quickly and it's great way to support small businesses. I won't be taking my car anywhere else. read more

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Ree V.

12 years ago

Wonderful! Great customer service, fast, affordable. Very friendly. Will def come back! (I meant to send this review about a month ago when I went) read more

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Richard M.

13 years ago

Super friendly, competative pricing, open on saturday, and right next to my house. I couldn't ask for anything more. Highly recommended.

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Cecilia A.

12 years ago

I never take the time to write reviews, but service was so wonderful, I felt compelled to do so. Fast, good price, friendly service. I recommend 100%. read more

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Chelsea B.

131

11 years ago

This guy was awesome!!! $20 cheaper than the place that ranked above him. I got quoted $40, he charged me $40. He was super nice, friendly and quick. I was in and out in under 20 min. Highly recommend and I will def come back and recommend to people. Such a nice guy, small business and much better priced than other people I called. Plus I passed!!! Whhooooottt! read more

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Jin S.

9 years ago

True to other reviewers' words, the service was quick and on point. Best of all, the price of the smog check which included the certificate (electronically sent to DMV by the owner) beats local competitors. Friendly and helpful owner. Thanks! read more

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SF Native M.

240

10 years ago

the price was right, i think my husband paid $40 for a smog. the owner saw us immediately, and smogged the car right away. nice guy. awesome service. this is the only place i will go to get our cars smogged now. read more

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Wendy M.

12 years ago

Went a couple of weeks ago. Fast and friendly customer service, not to mention affordable. I highly recommend.

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Tiffany T.

11 years ago

Great customer service, he was friendly and finished my Smog Test very fast! His prices were very reasonable and I definitely would recommend going here! :) read more

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Casey S.

11 years ago

Great service and very polite! I called and he got me in right away and only charged $38 since my car is new just from out of state! Very small business but definitely recommend! read more

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Stacey R.

12 years ago

Fast and efficient. I arrived with a screaming baby and he escorted me to his office where I could have some privacy to calm the baby. Before I knew it, the care was smogged and we were ready to go. And extremely affordable too! read more

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Marilyn R.

12 years ago

I took my car here based on the good reviews, and was happy to find that the good reviews were well deserved. The owner was very nice, the price was $25 cheaper than what I paid two years ago, and the job was done in about 15 minutes. If you're looking for a fancy facility with a luxurious waiting room don't go there, but if you want good service for a good price this is the right place. read more

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Travis M.

10 years ago

This was the 2nd time using A1 Smog and both times have been painless except for the inconvenience of being required to get the smog test in the first place. It would make it even worse if I had to wait in long lines and if there were problems with the testing or people/place doing the test. This is not the case with A1 Smog. Both times, they were able to get my truck in and out quickly. I called ahead this time and the gentleman I spoke with said they were a little busy at that time and suggested I come by in a couple hours, around 4:30pm, and they would be able to get me in & out quicker. I took his suggestion and when I arrived, I waited for just a few minutes as they finished up another vehicle that was already going through the testing and then they pulled my truck around and started on my vehicle without delay. I didn't time them but they completed the job in the shortest amount of time that it would take them to get through all the necessary steps/tests. If I had to guess, I would say 10-15 minutes at the most. A couple minutes to pay my bill and I was heading down the road again. They will charge you the normal testing rate unless you mention a coupon they had on their website at that time. Once I mentioned the coupon they honored it, without question. I've had 2 good experiences with A1 Smog and they will be the first place I'll think of the next time around. read more

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More info about A1 Smog Test

507 C Broadway
El Cajon, CA 92021
Bostonia
Directions
(619) 579-1947
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Does A1 Smog Test take credit cards?

Yes, A1 Smog Test takes credit cards.

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Does A1 Smog Test have free WiFi?

Yes, A1 Smog Test has free WiFi.

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Review Highlights - A1 Smog Test

“Fast, great service, great value and very nice owner, what more can you ask for.”

Mentioned in 10 reviews

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AAA Smog Center

4.9

(781 reviews)

I got the dreaded letter to get my car smog tested when I renewed my registration. I had bought a…read morenew car a couple years ago, so I had avoided the smog test for a few years, until now. It was a busy time of the year for me, and I was looking for a place that was quick and easy to make an afternoon appointment at since I do not have a flexible schedule. I highly recommend this location! They are efficient and reliable.

No I don't recommend this place, I tried leaving a negative review, it didn't fit their narrative…read moreso their business manager "Holly W" asked me to leave a "suggested review" and somehow deleted my first review because it was offensive or rude, it's like damn your business was offensive to me. Failed me on some bull and they know it, for a hose that wasn't broke (verified by another shop) then done charged me for a retest and then tried finding additional stuff wrong on my return visit only for me to call them out on that with "paperwork" proof. Told them take my truck back now and pass it so I can get on up outta this place. paid, bailed and left. Look at my other reviews, I don't leave reviews for nothing, treat me right good review treat me like shit, people gone get learned bout y'all. Instead owning up and admit y'all failed, but nope y'all throw shade and wanna hate because I'm honest af, prices gone up and values gone down. I won't be back.

El Cajon City Smog Repair & Auto Registration

4.9

(178 reviews)

What a find! Alan was friendly, professional and efficient! First time there, telling my friends…read moreand family about this gem. Burt

Scammer - do not take your vehicle here. Had a misfire code I was struggling with and told him I…read morejust needed it to pass smog. Told me I need a new head gasket, a job worth more than the vehicle. Code cleared on its own the day I picked it up from him and took somewhere else and passed the smog. Try again, buddy.

Cali v. Smog - STAR Station & Vehicle Registration Service

5.0

(193 reviews)

Cali V. Smog is always such a smooth and simple experience, I bring all my vehicles here and I will…read morecontinue to do so!

Went in for a smog check and it went well. Cost a little more than other places but much more.read more

DEKRA Smog Check Station

4.7

(258 reviews)

Had my car Smog tested here. Very friendly staff. Quick service! Biggest plus is they were open on…read moreSunday. I was in and out in no time. Will definitely be back.

5/5 stars!!! Great service, I came in to renew my registration and was in and out in 5-10 minutes…read more Super friendly staff. This place saved me a whole trip to the DMV. Thanks Dekra!!

Smog Pros

4.3

(98 reviews)

Amazing customer service. Very friendly and quick experience. The price was exactly what they…read morequoted!

Listen up -- Captain 619 talkin'. If you wanna get smog done right in El Cajon and not get played,…read moreyou march into Smog Pros. Fast, clean, no headaches -- they handle business like pros, capisce? Prices fair, techs know their stuff, and they don't waste your time. You want a deal? Say Captain 619 sent you from Yelp and grab that $20 off coupon -- I don't hand out tips, but this one's worth takin'. You want it done proper, you go to Smog Pros. I always take out the best -- these are the best.

Sam's Tune-Up Master

3.9

(71 reviews)

I spoke with Tommy, and him and all the others were very quick. Went in for a brake and light…read moreinspection and got out within 30 minutes. Tommy helped me out a ton and provided quality service.

Sam and his staff provided excellent service during my smog and safety inspection. They were…read moreefficient, thorough, and completed everything in a timely manner while maintaining a friendly and professional attitude. Highly recommend this shop for fast and reliable service!

Poway Smog Station

4.9

(616 reviews)

Excellent customer service! Truly. I was in and out in a…read morevery short period of time (maybe 10 minutes) to take care of some stuff for a car I purchased. She made it easy and stress free and was a gem! Price was reasonable and maybe even a little cheaper than other places.

First visit, in and out in 10-15 minutes. Walk in only. There's no line when i went. The staff were…read morefriendly.

El Cajon Smog Test & Repair

4.1

(125 reviews)

Took my car in for a P0440 minor evap leak. Was told that that it would be $150.00 because they had…read moreto smoke test the system. Fair enough. Also wanted the oil changed and had some brake noise in the rear of the car. Called the next day and was told it was ready. No check engine light, hurray! Bill was $390.00, HUH, asked what for? said that they had to replace a hose by the charcoal canister. Figured $75 for the oil change, maybe $150 for the brake repair (they only cleaned the back brakes). So with the $150 for the P0440 that made the hose about $65. Next day, check engine light again. Brought it back in. Tech looked under the car and in the engine compartment. Said that he tightened a couple of connectors and if the check engine light came back on it may need a new charcoal canister. Well it came back on the next day. I jacked up the car and took a look at the charcoal canister and hoses both under the hood and back. Nothing was replace or touched. I paid them to fix the P0440 code, not try. I didn't have the time or proper tools to fix it myself, if I did, I could of fixed it myself. I think that they just reset my code light and didn't even smoke test it, plus the left grease marks on my hood and floor carpet. They advertise as a smog and repair, but they don't.

One of the best auto repair places in San Diego. I've been to a lot of different auto repair spots…read moreand none do as good as a job as El Cajon smog test. They are licensed for smog check and they also provide auto repair. I come here with all of my automotive needs and have been coming here for years. The guys that own the place and the guys that work there do an amazing job and I never have any problems at all. They will not charge you an arm and a leg and they will work within your budget the best they can. No matter what they will always do the best job possible Unlike other auto repair businesses I've been to in the past. If you're looking for one of the best auto repair companies in San Diego come here and they will take care of you every time. Thank you

Smog Clinic

4.8

(675 reviews)

Well Kevin did it again! Perfect Service Every Time!…read more TIP: If you have a car with computer interface and you have work done on it, they system gets reset. DO NOT get your car smogged the next day. It will not pass. It needs to be driven at least 100 miles, have stop and go driving, cold starts and cool down to RESET the computer. This will save you a second trip to see Kevin. % Reccomend SMOG Clinic!

Came here to get my car smogged and I'm glad I found this spot. It's definitely hard to find, so…read moregive yourself a little extra time the first visit, but once you're there it's smooth sailing. Service was friendly, straightforward, and no nonsense exactly what you want when getting a smog check. The gentleman behind the counter was super helpful, explained things simply, and got right to work. There's a small but comfortable area to sit while your car is being smogged, and the whole process was quick and easy. No upselling, no pressure, just straight-to-the-point service. I'll definitely be coming back.

Jiffy Lube

3.9

(154 reviews)

"Honestly one of the smoothest service experiences around. Fast, professional, and better…read morecommunication than AI after 2 Red Bulls trying to interpret my voice text." Par West GF-Rick

This was my first experience at this location, and I had to come on Yelp and share how impressed we…read morewere by this crew at the Lakeside Jiffy Lube. I have no idea why they have such a low rating on yelp, because I've never had such outstanding service when getting the oil changed. The cost was reasonable and I was in and out quickly and efficiently. I could tell they cared about my vehicle and treated me with respect. I will be a return customer from now on and also I will be telling everyone who works with me to come by and see Julio, Johnathan, and Bill! These guys rock. I fully recommend Jiffy Lube on N. Magnolia in Lakeside. Best customer service! Thank you guys.

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Mark C.

Elite 26

465

1512

3 years ago

Dude, listen up! Captain 619 here, stoked to share my thoughts on A1 Smog Test in El Cajon, owned by the rad Henry. I've been riding the waves of this establishment for years, and let me tell you, Henry is not just a great guy, but he's like the embodiment of the American spirit, man. Always ready with a smile and a helping hand for anyone in need. Now, let me tell you about the gnarly thing about A1 Smog Test - their prices, bro! I've searched far and wide, but I haven't found any of Henry's competitors who can beat his affordability, even with their tempting coupons. It's seriously mind-blowing how he manages to provide such epic service at such reasonable rates. But what really sets Henry apart is his willingness to go the extra mile for his customers. I've seen him drop some serious knowledge bombs for free, helping out those who need that extra push to pass their tests. He's all about honesty and hard work, making him a totally trustworthy dude in his field. No doubt, I'm giving A1 Smog Test my full endorsement. Henry's dedication to his craft and his commitment to making customers stoked make this shop the ultimate choice for anyone needing smog testing services. Catch the wave, bro, and head on over to A1 Smog Test! read more

Annie L.

10 months ago

I had a great experience at this smog check shop! The technician is super friendly, welcoming, and made the whole process quick and easy. He got the job done fast and everything was handled perfectly. You can tell he knows what he's doing and takes pride in his work. I'll definitely be coming back here for future smog checks and will recommend this place to friends and family. Highly recommend! read more

Terry H.

11 years ago

Got my wife's truck tested today. The owner was great, fast, and offered an awesome price for doing the testing. I would highly recommend him and will use him for my other cars. read more

Ozzie W.

8 years ago

Honorable and accommodating. Quoted a price on the phone and did not increase the price in spite of difficulties with paperwork and type of vehicle, (work van). read more