Pepper Drive Test Only

4.3 (33 reviews)

Smog Check Stations

Closed • 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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Pepper Drive Test Only - Smog check - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cajon, California

Pepper Drive Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Fast service, dry sense of humor, I'll be back... Actually he failed me twice, had to make some corrections and passed today. Side note watch out for small white dog.

Hebert V.

If you need a smog in east county check out Pepper Drive Smog. Mark the owner is friendly and knowledgeable. He is happy to help all of his customers. Their prices are pretty good too!!

Great place to get your car smogged Excellent Customer service. Didn't have to wait at all and i will definitely take my car there again !

Rosey C.

This place is the best. The gentleman that helped me was awesome.. Great customer service . Didn't have to wait at all and I will definitely be taking my car back there again ! Easy Peasy! Thank you

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Kimberly C.

9 months ago

Go to any other smog station but this one. Mechanic is dishonest and made up issues with my car to fail me. I have never had any issues with my car and I went to another place and passed with no issues. He still charged me for failing me without even running diagnostics and then my charge on my credit card was higher than the invoice. read more

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Daniel G.

159

9 months ago

If I could give 0 stars I would. This place will fail your smog just to get you to make repairs that are not needed. Stay far away from this place! read more

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Tyler D.

9 months ago

This has to be the worst smog station I've ever been to this person is a complete scam. Unfortunately I had the misfortune of coming in here because my normal smog station was closed on Saturday. Other than the fact that he has to be the most expensive smog station around costing 120 for vehicles older than 2000 he try's to scam he's customers on fake claims. On my occasion, he tried to say I was missing a catalytic converter and my EGR valve was modified by the vacuum tubing being misaligned, which I informed him would instantly throw a check engine light so it was impossible. Then when I got under the car to show him exactly where my Catalytic converter was he said he's not getting under there and I failed. I took my car right away to a more reputable smog station, which I should've done from the get-go and they confirmed all of his statements were false and my car passed. I just hope this is a warning to everybody else stay away. read more

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Kathy D.

2 years ago

Needed a smog came in without apt and was able to get it and take care of it that day. Very good service, appreciate the professional service. read more

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Michael B.

3 years ago

Fast service, dry sense of humor, I'll be back... Actually he failed me twice, had to make some corrections and passed today. Side note watch out for small white dog. read more

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Hebert V.

171

5 years ago

If you need a smog in east county check out Pepper Drive Smog. Mark the owner is friendly and knowledgeable. He is happy to help all of his customers. Their prices are pretty good too!! read more

Pepper Drive Test Only - Best smog place in east county - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Isaiah Y.

3 years ago

Worst service I've ever received. Was extremely rude the whole time, asked me word for word "Are you gonna get the hell out of my way so I can drive it in?" Then drove my car onto the rollers very aggressively. Took almost an hour to check my car and then charged me $60 for a fail. Didn't even tell me what I needed to change to fix it. I heard good things about this guy before this and i gave him a chance. Very disappointed, wouldn't recommend going here, there are cheaper smog shops within 5 miles anyways. read more

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Lauren V.

4 years ago

Best smog test in San Diego. Mark's great and knows his stuff. Been bringing vehicles to him for years now. I don't go anywhere else. He's the only guy I trust. He's busy sometimes but it's worth the wait. Easy location to get to from anywhere on the 8 East County and beyond. Thanks Mark. read more

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Beck V.

2 years ago

Very knowledgeable and fair. Very good prices and he doesn't waste any time getting your smog check done.

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Dawson S.

2 years ago

I called to see if they were open and they weren't. I got a call back and the owner said I was risking my life to get to the shop and it was all my fault he was risking his life and began being really rude to me. read more

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Sheri B.

3 years ago

Very nice . They are a five star smog place. Convenient fast. The owner is very nice a good old Boy.

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Rosey C.

7 years ago

This place is the best. The gentleman that helped me was awesome.. Great customer service . Didn't have to wait at all and I will definitely be taking my car back there again ! Easy Peasy! Thank you read more

Pepper Drive Test Only - Great place to get your car smogged Excellent Customer service. Didn't have to wait at all and i will definitely take my car there again ! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Justin M.

3 years ago

I went here for the first time today. Great experience. I smog a lot of vehicles and the place I normally go to on Broadway happened to be closed. This place was way better and I'll only go here from now on. read more

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James H.

137

376

8 years ago

Best smog in El Cajon. Honest, friendly and the prices are reasonable! Make sure to check in on yelp for a discount read more

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Adam C.

7 years ago

My truck failed smog inspection here, but the dude was honest and upfront. Told me what parts of the truck I should work on, and he was right. A month later I passed Smog and the truck ran way better. This guy is cool. read more

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Bob B.

7 years ago

Always the best, fair and honest. I always recommend Mark for all your smog needs. It's always nice to find a mechanic who knows exactly what he's doing, no question about it. read more

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David R.

7 years ago

I have depended and relied on the service provided by Pepper drive smog for many years.... Honesty, dependability, reliability are part of this successful business. I have recommended their services to others and reviews have been remarkable. read more

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Craig O.

6 years ago

Mark is excellent and knowledgeable. I've been taking him my cars for years and won't go anywhere else.

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Filipe M.

6 years ago

Best place ever, been going there for many years and will not go anywhere else. Mark is the absolutely best

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Chris O.

8 years ago

Always a quick reliable source for your smog needs. Every time I have been to see them it has been a great experience. Love this shop. read more

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Corey V.

9 years ago

Mark is great, personable, and knowledgeable. He got my car in and out quickly and the price of service is very affordable. I would definitely recommend giving this place a go for your next smog, I know I'll be back! read more

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George K.

6 years ago

Been taking our vehicles here for years . Wont go anywhere else. Owner is great and gives advice on repairs when needed.

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Maybelle C.

8 years ago

I went to this place because it has 5 star rating on yelp. I made an appointment the night before for 9 am. When I got to the place, without asking me who I was or the reason why I'm there, the smog guy told me "you have to wait there's 2 cars a head of you!!" I told him I made an appointment. He said, "I know!...but I can't stop what I'm doing for you!" How did he know I'm the one that made an appointment. Maybe because I'm the only female there! Anyway, extremely rude respond to greet a first time customer, specially I wasn't asking him to drop what his doing. That should be a sign for me to leave this place. But I waited, big mistake. He started my van and said "your cigarette lighter is not working." Not knowing he can't do a smog test with a broken cigarette lighter, I tried to recall when was the lighter not working. He replied, "I don't need to hear your story...[then he explained why his asking about the lighter]...if you have a flat tire will you fix it!!"... Anyway, I asked him to go ahead and fix the lighter so he can do my smog test. And he can't fix it! I just want my van smog. Bottomline horrible customer service, making appointment doesn't mean anything, can't fix a cigarette lighter, and can't smog. This place does not deserve a star. read more

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Barry B.

16 years ago

This is the ONLY smog place that you should ever go! I have been taking all of my vehicles to Pepper Drive Smog for years. The owner, Mark Holt, is a straight shooter. Since he is a former mechanic, whenever one of my vehicles have failed, Mark has told me why it was failing and has been right 100% of the time. Mark is prompt, courteous, professional, and is a cool guy to talk to as well. Go to Pepper Drive Smog! I guarantee Mark will end up being your smog tech for life. Barry, Santee, CA read more

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Armando M.

11 years ago

I went to get my 05 Ford F-250 smog here and let me tell you. Great service! Mark was AWESOME!!! Nothing better than doing business with a true Military Veteran! read more

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Jody B.

135

10 years ago

This guy has done a great job for me for many years, I has some great stories and just breezes through it. Super nice guy, go say hi to Mark! read more

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Jason C.

9 years ago

Been to a lot of smog places in my 35+ years of owning cars. Always nice to find a place you know you'll go back to. No nonsense, friendly and fair! Glad I found them. read more

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Evan W.

10 years ago

Great service. Fast, easy and had me off to register my car in no time. Great shop and great price for the smog. Will be going back when I need another test! read more

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Tracie T.

178

9 years ago

This place is my go to place for smog. I don't go anywhere else. Customer srvc. Is on point!

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Jadzia D.

13 years ago

Excellent service. Mr. Mark was great, we chit chatted about the golden globes haha. It was quick & to the point. Prices were competitive. I am very pleased. read more

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Tyler D.

8 years ago

Best guy, quality service, efficient, everything you could ask for in a smog service. I WILL take every car I own here regardless if the DMV says Star Only. Just a solid experience. read more

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Francisco D.

12 years ago

Mark is very knowledgeable and honest . Parking could be better but to find someone that you can trust is worth it. I will continue to go to him for my smog cert. read more

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eric f.

10 years ago

Stopped in today for the first time, and now won't ever go anywhere else to get my smog tests done..best prices in town, free re test if you fail, quick and very friendly. Can't beat it..after a bad experience at my usual smog spot in El Cajon I made some calls and this was the place I ended up, was the best I talked to hands down! Don't waste your time or money with any other shops that will rip you off at a 70 test price with no re test..just outrageous. read more

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More info about Pepper Drive Test Only

7921 Winter Gardens Blvd
Ste B
El Cajon, CA 92021
Directions
(619) 812-2353
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.pepperdrivetestonly.com

Payment methods

Does Pepper Drive Test Only take credit cards?

Yes, Pepper Drive Test Only takes credit cards.

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Does Pepper Drive Test Only have free WiFi?

Yes, Pepper Drive Test Only has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Pepper Drive Test Only provides smog testing services in El Cajon, CA.

History

Established in 2004.

Pepper Drive Test Only was established in 1986 and is family owned and operated.

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Review Highlights - Pepper Drive Test Only

“Mark is prompt, courteous, professional, and is a cool guy to talk to as well.”

Mentioned in 11 reviews

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AAA Smog Center

(779 reviews)

Came in today after 10am I enjoy this location because I can always get in and out without any…read moreissues. The service is always impeccable, literally second to none. I came here to get my registration done, yes I held out down to the wire . But it's always worth it, you get the paperwork done no problem and get your stickers all in one go. I've been coming here for years and I refuse to go anywhere else. They take all forms of payment, cash, card and checks. The value of time and effort you save is immense. The group that works here no matter when you show up are all business and they really do care for the customer.

Moved here from Hawai'i and we didn't have to do a smog test for our cars there. I recently went…read moreto the DMV spent almost 2 hours to renew my registration to find out I needed a smog test. We have used AAA Smog several times. They switched owners but they still offer the same great customer service as before. All the employees are knowledgeable. Corinna helped over the phone and with registration. The manager Sam helped as well. I was also helped by another female staff member who helped me with my smog I didn't catch her name. She was polite and had to explain to me that I had to drive 50 miles more to be qualified for the smog test. There was an extra fee for this. You have to pay for the smog and registration separately. You have to pay extra to get your registration here but to me it's worth it. You get it right away and don't have to wait for it in the mail.

El Cajon City Smog Repair & Auto Registration

(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

(192 reviews)

Went in drop off was about to finish my burrito and they were done before me wow saving me time…read moreand money highly recommend this spot for a fast smog and pass

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!

DEKRA Smog Check Station

(252 reviews)

Very professional, easy and quick smog cert. At a reasonable price. Go to their website and…read moredownload the coupon.

Been coming here for years. Always fast & efficient. Gilberto is the best. The place is always…read moreclean as well

A1 Smog Test

(62 reviews)

Bostonia

Wonderful service and he let me know everything he was doing. Cordial, well run and personable…read morebusiness. I highly recommend it!

I rolled up during my lunch break and the guy working here had me pull my car right I nto the…read moregarage, no line at all. I sat in one of the chairs he had outside and 15 minutes later (if that), I was on my way. Just what I needed! Total cost was $58 for "inspection, test, and certificate" for my OBD-2 enabled crossover. The location didn't seem to be listed on Google Maps but the location on yelp's map is accurate as is its address in Google Maps.

Smog Pros

(98 reviews)

Stopped by this place for a smog check and honestly had a great experience. The guys here were…read morefriendly, straightforward, and didn't make the process feel like a chore. Prices were solid -- especially with the coupon -- and there were no surprise add-ons or weird upsells. They got me in and out fast, way quicker than I expected. The whole setup is simple, the service desk was easy to find, and everyone I talked to was helpful and chill. If you want a smog check that's quick, fair-priced, and drama-free, this is a good spot. I'd come back for sure.

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

(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

(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

(125 reviews)

Bostonia

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

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issac v.

5 years ago

This is the worst excuse for a human being you have ever met, he is openly racist and comments out loud about other races He is very vulgar and uses very inappropriate language in front of my kids. When I was there he treated me like a piece of garbage and screamed at me like I was did something wrong. He told me to get my pile of crap out of there and disrespected Asian people walking bye, thanks Mark for nothing! I hope he reads this so He can reflect on being a better human being And treating people with equal respect not based upon their race or religion. read more

Mani C.