About a week, I made a verbal fleet servicing agreement with AA Smog Shop San Diego Auto Clinic. They're a small shop in a dicey location, but I like to support small businesses and have grown to trust many small businesses around San Diego for my fleet. I sent my 1st vehicle to them 4/9/13 and everything went as promised. Today, 4 days later, I sent a 2nd vehicle and the price was all of a sudden 15% higher. Same vehicle model, same engine, & same service. Having spent some time talking to the owners CJ and Nan when initially setting up terms, I thought it must be an honest mistake. When I called, Nan mentioned some additional fees that were not outlined in the first invoice. She said she was unaware of the exact deal we had made, but she would talk to CJ about it. It just seemed like miscommunication. CJ called me back, I explained the situation by calmly and politely referring back to the 1st invoice they sent me. CJ proceeded to go back on our original agreement citing oil prices (wasn't that calculated on the initial agreement?), told me to go somewhere else, and hung up. This was unexpected as my original agreement was discussed with them over the span of multiple conversations. It feels like a bait and switch. It feels like the additional charge was added on purpose in hopes that I would not be paying attention to my invoicing. read more

I was due for my bi-annual smog test and, as usual, was waiting until the last minute. I decided to try my best to get it in during my lunch hour and was looking on Yelp for a convenient location with good reviews, and I had to find a required star station. I was not led astray. I pulled into AA Smog around 12:15 on a Wednesday afternoon. I was the only car there. However, right after that, two other cars pulled in behind me. The attendant, maybe the owner, jumped out to greet me. He took my info and DMV paperwork. He quoted me $65 dollars, which I found quite reasonable, as other nearby places charge more, even when they claim to be offering a discount. I sat down in one of of the few lawn chairs to wait. Literally, five minutes later, my car had passed and was ready to go. On top of that, the person who helped me was quite friendly and chatted with me about his four cockatiels who were there with him. Getting Smogged is never something was want to do, but something we have to do. AA Smog Shop made it easy. read more

AA Smog Shop - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

I've done my last two Smog Checks here and they are quick and friendly. I did not have an appt and it was still a short wait.

quick and friendly smog service! only had to wait fifteen minutes. comfortable waiting area and free coconut water

I been doing business with Bobby for 6 years. He is very knowledgeable and I have 100% confidence in Bobby to smog my vehicle. He is a caring good man and I would highly recommend him for your smog needs. Sincerely, Brett L Southern read more

Had my car smogged this morning and was in and out in a flash. I appreciate the quick work and friendly service. It doesn't hurt to be entertained by cockatoos either. :-) read more

Couldn't be happier with the service and the speed in which my car received it's smog check certification. AA smog shop took care of things quickly and efficiently. Within 15 minutes I was done and out the door and they had sent my results to the DMV so I didn't have to worry about it myself. The owner CJ has some cool birds in his shop that love to chatter so I wasn't bored during my wait. The location is very convenient off of Barnett Avenue close to the downtown area and also close to Sports Arena. I paid $49.99 for a large SUV. In the years past I have gone to other places and they charged me much more. I'm so glad I went here and will go back for my next smog check. read more

AA Smog Shop - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

I called them this morning with my car year & model, and that I had one of their discount certificates. They quoted me the $39 discount certificate price. When I arrive from today's appt, I was told my can was 'special' and the certificate didn't apply. The price was $79 with a $10 discount for cash. Beware of the shady dealing of this business. read more

GREAT SHOP FOR A SMOG!!! Fastest smog check... Years ago, my old car was not having it when I tried to start it at works parking lot. My insurance covers roadside assistance but always a 30-1hr wait and who has time for that?! I don't. I walked over here and asked if they could help me. 2 guys from the shop walked over with their portable jumper, peeped under the hood, and got me going. Told me I need a battery replacement. I ended up getting a battery replacement close to my home that day and wish I had given my service to this shop. I promised myself I'd give this place service one day. Warp speed ahead - years later, today is the day! it's that time for a smog check. I thought of places to get a smog check and thought of this place since I do in my heart feel I owe them service. I now have a BMW and those cars usually get serviced a BMW shops or at the dealership due to the specialty under the hood. But this was just a smog check so I came here for service. What a great place! I drove up 30 minutes before closing, great customer service, no wait/line, and was in and out in 10 minutes. Passed with flying colors, my record was sent to DMV by the shop, and I was on my merry way for $59! This is my new smog check shop going forward. I knew I'd pass, I take really good care of my car. My BMW has a SULEV engine so that helps. And the fact that I have a SULEV engine means BMW's hidden SULEV warranty. Anyways, I passed. If I didn't, I'm covered in repairs LOL. See you in two years!!! read more

I needed a smog check to register my vehicle. There was no wait so it was quick and affordable. I was in and out in less than 30 mins!

I needed a Smog and had procrastinated quite a bit, so I was in a little bit of a rush to get it done. I googled several places and called them all. Initially the reason why I picked this shop was because of how friendly the person was on the phone when I called. Everywhere else was pretty abrupt which is likely just because they are answering calls and doing the work themselves. Turns out that was also the case at this shop. The man working was doing it all, and he managed to stay very positive, very friendly and let you know that he valued your business. I am SO glad that I ended up here. The whole process was incredibly fast...I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. By the time I got home (about 10 more minutes) the DMV already had the paperwork and I was able to renew my registration online! It was a great experience and I am grateful for the professionalism and hard work to get me out and on my way. There is a small shaded area for you to sit and wait for your car, but you won't be there long! The shop has their own two resident birds, two huge beautiful ones!! It was nice to talk with the man working (maybe the owner?) about them, you could tell how committed he was to them and loved them which was really heartwarming. It was very easy to find and I didn't need to worry about parking because he met me at my car right as I pulled in. I don't think they have a restroom available for customers, but again, you will be in and out so quick - you wouldn't really need one. I will 100% be back to this location the next time I am in need of a smog and highly recommend them! read more

Smog is great, CJ gets you in and out quickly when you need a Smog check at a good price, but avoid Fernando next door for auto repair.

Great local smog shop. Been coming to CJ for at least 10 years. He always has competitive rates and can do all my weird vehicles. He's fast, easy and rarely have had to wait more that 5-10 min. read more

AA Smog Shop - My 24' 1998 Chevy jayco RV getting checked by CJ - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

I had a smog and oil change done here. It was fast and reasonably priced. I'd recommend them for either service.

Best smog check place in San Diego, fast and cheap, I've been going there for 15 years. The owner works by himself he is a very nice and honest guy. read more

Quick service. Very convenient location. If you need to get a smog check, highly recommended!

Got my SMOG done here for the first time and the process was quick and easy! Would recommend.

Speedy process all around: I needed to smog my car and received immediate service!! I did show up in the morning close to 9am and I waited only 10 minutes! Voila!! Pass Smog Completion sent directly to the DMV! Professional and friendly; priced around $60 which is the going rate I do believe. read more

My car needed to pass smog and the guy at the counter was the absolute nicest! He was so personable and helpful and I didn't realize they were almost closed but he took me anyway. I will definitely be coming back here whenever I need a smog (: read more

Love CJ and his amazing service. He is friendly and professional. Smog check was super fast and efficient. I come here every year and receive the best customer service every time. Thank you CJ! read more

I love this place. They do great work, have reasonable prices and I just wouldn't take my car anywhere else. They have done my brakes, my smog figured out why my check engine light stayed on and even fixed an oil leak. They don't do work and then spring it on you when you pick up your car. They are fair and honest and I totally trust their work. CJ and Fernando are the best. Fonda H read more

Called CJ in the morning to find out about taking my daughter's car in for a smog check. He said he could do it without the DMV paperwork, he just used the VIN number. Got there and 15 minutes later it was done. Great service with a smile! read more

I would never bring my car to this business! I put off reviewing them until their insurance company finally settled with mine. In December 2021 my husband brought his 1990 Corvette in to have a smog check and it did not pass The owner of the smog shop C.J.Peters also owns San Diego auto clinic located right behind his shop and we were told the car needed 2 new catalytic converter's. The car was at the shop for approximately 3 weeks. When we picked it up the vet, we then drove to a restaurant 10 miles away. We only had possession of the car for 45 minutes! While at the restaurant someone came in and told us our car was on fire! Both the La Mesa fire chief and the fire investigators proved that no secondary heat protector was put over the new catalytic converter's, which is what caused the fire and totaled the car! Thank God that my husband was not in the car and the car was not parked in our garage! The owner of the shop and the mechanic at San Diego Auto Clinic never apologized and never felt they were responsible for it even though the investigators and the fire chief proved their negligence! Please do do not take your car to this smog shop or to San Diego Auto Clinic! read more

AA Smog Shop - Car fire after work was done at San Diego Auto Clinic /AA Smog Shop - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

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Quick, friendly, and reasonably priced. He is even open early on Saturday which is great.

Totally great work and honest !!! They take care of my Camry and Jaguar - I could not be happier. I highly recommend them! read more

AA Smog Shop - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Diego, California

I needed to find a STAR certified smog station to complete my car registration. I found this place here on YELP. The price was fair, no gimmicks or coupons. Services was great. There was a short wait. Everything went smoothly. The surprise was a rather delightful one... a pair of white parrots preening each other right there in the garage! Lovely! I would definitely recommend this place for professional service, and of course the parrots! read more

Easy as pie. I pulled in and he had me checked and out of there in under 15 min. Very professional and knowledgeable. Definitely will return. 5 stars! read more

Quick, accommodating on my lunch break & very friendly. About average for a smog and a test center to boot! read more

I got my car smog checked here, and I agree with Chris R. that the service was fast and friendly. This looks like a one-man operation. Like Chris, I called ahead. I got a price quote from the shop owner. When I arrived, I saw people dropping off their cars and leaving. I decided to wait, which turned out to be a good decision, because it seems that he does the cars of the people waiting first. When it came time to pay, he tried to charge me five dollars more than what he told me on the phone. "No, I really said (the higher price), but I'll give it to you." What this told me is that there is some leeway in the price. Here's what I recommend. Go early in the month when the business is slower. Call ahead and ask for a price quote. Whatever price he gives, subtract five dollars and tell him that another shop quoted you the lower number. Ask if he will match it. When you get there, right at the start, remind him of the price you both agreed on. Then wait for your car. The waiting room is the parking lot, so bring some sunscreen and a magazine. read more

This place is great. I got there early and had no wait. I was done and driving away 10 minutes later

Of course I wait until 2 days before my registration is due to even look at the paper, why wouldn't I? I run to AAA to pay it, and once I am standing in line, I realize my car needs to be smogged, just great! So I yelp what is around me, and this spot stands out. I mosey on down and wow what great customer service. The guy was doing it all himself, and I did have to wait about 30 mins until it was my turn, but man he was hustling to make sure people were not waiting too long. I finally made it to my turn, and he knew that I was Navy and gave me a military discount, only 54.95. I thought that was a fair price, especially given my circumstatnces. It was done within 10 minutes and I was on my way back to AAA to pay for my registration. Overall great experience. read more

My experience here was just how I like encounters with car/DMV/government related activities: fast, efficient, little wait time, friendly employees. read more

I brought some fleet vehicles here for SMOG so I can get them registered, and CJ was prompt and attentive. I managed to arrive when he was having slow days, and I had 4 vans smogged and each one took 15 minutes or less with no wait in many cases. I'm definitely please and will suggest this shop to others. read more

This is the best place ever ! My husband took out 1988 truck for smog. They are pleasant and thorough and are more than fair in price. They will continue to have our business read more

I was panicked when my car failed on the freeway. I am new to town and had a Dmog check with CJ a few weeks back. I reached for his card in the dashboard and was towned to AA with CJ taking care of me immediately. Fernando reviewed my situation and we discovered that the best option was to go to Jeep under my warranty. As a single woman it's essential to have resources you can trust and I'm amazed at how compassionate, professional and straight forward Fernando was. AA is in the business of fiduciary service and that is worth more than 5 stars on Yelp! read more

CJ is a great guy... Knowledgeable and a mechanic himself .. And an original San Diego guy... I also like his two parrots.. Ha ha... Anyway, I have taken my cars to be smogged now for over ten years, and I always have three cars going.. He has always been honest and service oriented.. This time there was a little snafu with my check engine light.. He knew exactly what to do.. I really dont think a lot of places in town would have had the insight he did mechanically to understand what was going on.. I highly recommend CJ! read more

Great service at a great price but it "may" come with a wait. When they do get to your car it's quick, and friendly. I will certainly be back. read more

This place was referred to me by JR San Diego Smog and Repair. My mechanic said if I stated to CJ that I was referred by JR San Diego Smog and Repair, CJ would give me a discount. When I told CJ, he looked dubitable, saying 'Who? Uh, I don't know who.. or remember..?'.... Couple of minutes later he said 'Oh yeah, I think I remember them' and he gave me the discount. It's slightly sad how people try to help your business but you can't be appreciative or remembering of who they are. Nonetheless, I'm grateful he gave me the discount. The best service was from his staff, a young gentleman, shaved head, blonde and sunglasses. He helped me park as I entered since there was limited parking, friendly greeting and instantly said 'Could we help you?' as I stepped out of my car. Extra thank you to this staff member. read more

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These guys are honest and hard working mechanics. Whether it's a smog check, oil change, or a more complex repair these guys do a timely and quality job for a fair price. I couldn't recommend them any higher. Simply the best in San Diego! read more

This is my third time actually did my smog check at this location. The neighborhood is very good. They have friendly workers! I highly recommend them to anyone and this is the only location I will go for my next smog check. read more