Smog &amp; Registration

(1.3k reviews)

Supporting local businesses is important to me, so I decided to give A1 Smog in Lawndale a try for…read morethe first time--and I'm glad I did! From start to finish, everything was smooth sailing. They answered all of my questions promptly through Yelp, responded quickly, and even made me feel welcomed before I had even arrived. No upselling, no surprises--just honest, straightforward business. That's refreshing these days. I came in on a Friday morning, and they had me in and out exactly within the promised timeframe. Parking was easy, and they even have a comfortable waiting area to escape the blazing South Bay sun. My sunscreen definitely appreciated the break! A big thank you to Jose for taking great care of both me and my beloved Honda EG. (Fellow car enthusiasts know...our cars are basically family members. ) He was professional, friendly, and made the entire process stress-free. I actually grew up in Lawndale and lived here for 19 years, so it was nice to finally experience a local business that truly delivers on customer service. As a business owner myself, I know that honest communication and treating customers well are what keep people coming back. I've found my new go-to smog shop and will definitely be returning for future smogs. I'll also be recommending A1 Smog to my friends and family. Thanks again, Jose, for making something as routine as a smog check a genuinely pleasant experience!

Easy in and out. No appointment. Honored the coupon I found online. Jose was a pleasure to work…read morewith. Will return for my next STAR Smog Check. FYI, Bob's automotive down the street bait and switched me once I arrived and tried to charge me three times the coupon price because I was testing a 2014 Porsche 911. Jose was honest!!!

ECO SMOG - Smog Check & Auto Registration Service

(488 reviews)

I was looking for a location to complete the emissions test after purchasing a used car in Arizona,…read moreas it was required to transfer the title. ECO SMOG advertised a one-stop service, which made it the obvious choice to save time. I stopped by without an appointment directly after returning from Arizona, about 1.5 hours before closing. Dru initially informed me that there might not be enough time to complete everything since he already had other appointments scheduled. I understood and was completely fine with that since I did not have an appointment. There were a few cars ahead of me, so I waited about 15-20 minutes before it was my turn. Dru completed the VIN verification and emissions test on my vehicle. He then mentioned that the next appointment was running late and offered to fit my car in for the title transfer and registration so I could receive my plates and tags without needing to return. I was very excited to hear that, as it saved me an additional trip to the DMV or AAA. Dru was professional, efficient, and extremely helpful throughout the entire process. It's clear that customer service is a priority here. The convenience of having everything handled in one place made the experience smooth and stress-free. While some other places may offer coupons for less expensive emissions testing, the value of top-notch service and genuine customer care is well worth it. The time saved and the quality of service provided made the experience far more valuable. Thank you, Dru, for going the extra mile to help me out. I highly recommend this business to anyone who needs smog services or assistance with vehicle registration. It was a great experience from start to finish.

ECO Smog is a STAR certified smog check station- requirements of the DMV when registering your car…read moreand needs a smog check. I made an appointment through their website, very user friendly, and received a confirmation text shortly after. I decided I needed to modify my appointment, there didn't seem to be an option to do it on the website, so I texted the number back and asked to change my appointment, this was done quickly without issues. I arrived to my appointment 10 mins early. Dru was very helpful, friendly and professional. He entered my car's info into the system, and once my car passed the smog check, everything was updated and entered into the system already so that when I pay my registration, the DMV (or in my case, AAA) will see that my car passed the smog test. In case the system isn't updated, I was provided with a hard copy certificate to prove that it passed. My entire appointment took 10mins altogether, can't beat that! Pricing was fair and affordable, depends on the year of your car. Will definitely recommend this place to anyone who needs a quick smog check station.

South Bay Smog Check Center

4.3

(284 reviews)

Quick, easy and fast!! We love to see it. They honor their online coupon. I did my first smog for a…read moretotal of $53! Other places would've charged me more for sure. They are pretty open with appointments. I was there for less than 15 minutes total. I did not catch the gentleman's name working there but he was super nice! They even have a bucket with lollipops while you wait. 10/10!

Perfect experience…read more Called this morning. Made an appt for 1:30. He was ready at 1:25, and I was out the door at 1:35!! Advised me to go to AAA instead of DMV and I was so thankful, I always forget I have AAA for some reason!! Was a great experience - thank you so much.

One Stop Lube N Brakes

(164 reviews)

I had a great experience with this car service. My side mirror was completely broken off, and they…read morefixed it quickly and did an excellent job. The staff was friendly, professional, and made the whole process easy. They went above and beyond my expectations, and I really appreciated their great customer service. I am definitely coming back for all my repairs!

As someone who has struggled with finding the right place to get my car serviced for years...I've…read morefinally found the one! From different auto shops to even dealerships -- not one place has done as an exceptional job as One Stop Lube N Brakes. I initially thought I only had one issue with my brake pads needing to be replaced, but it turned out that I needed other things to be fixed as well. They didn't take advantage and broke down step by step each issue and what I actually wanted to get fixed instead of overcharging. My entire service was done within two hours and car drives so smoothly. Having peace of mind and finding a place that you can trust with your vehicle is truly priceless. Will be coming back and recommending to all my friends/colleagues.

Anza Mobil Service

4.7

(159 reviews)

I just visited there today since my husband came here before for the smog check…read more I asked the person I go to cafe across the street and come back and there are subway and Amai cafe which I love to have drinks. Price is very good as this location and I don't think I didn't wait long at all. I already recommended to my friend who need smog test for her next car registration renewal. Thank you.

The mechanics here are awesome. Really great, honest guys. I always stress with car stuff as I tend…read moreto have bad luck. I had a slow leak and was hopeful only a patch was needed but was anxious to take it in expecting it to be worse and costing me a lot. I've been here a couple times and they've always been great. I trust anyone my dad recommends and he has nothing but good things to say about these guys. I showed up this morning and the greeted me right away, had me pull back and they spotted a nail in the tire. Patches it up no problem. I think I was there all of 4 minutes if that. Thanks guys!!

H-1 Auto Smog Center

(280 reviews)

Smog check Simple…read more Quick. No nonsense. Cash $45 Card $47.50 We only come here and highly recommend others to come.

Hands-down, this is the best smog check experience I've ever gotten, this place rocks!! I sent out…read morea yelp job request to multiple auto shops, and this one replied so fast. I then called in the morning to see if I could get a same-day walk-in smog check up for my car. Kevin was super responsive, and the price was extremely reasonable, which solidified my decision. I ended up only able to go right before closing, but they kindly accommodated me. Everyone was super friendly and courteous, and they even offered me a cold bottle of water which I really appreciated on such a hot day. Kevin's smog check took less than 10 minutes and I was out the door, with my car out of the garage and ready to go. Such a pro! Such an efficient, professional, great experience. So fast, it saved my butt for my last day to renew my registration before a late fee got charged. I can't believe I'm saying this, but actually I'm looking forward to when I can get my smog check next with these folks instead of usually dreading it every year LOL

Hillside Auto Repair

3.9

(14 reviews)

I had an outstanding experience at Hillside Auto . The entire team was professional, honest, and…read moreincredibly helpful from start to finish. Their prices were fair, and the customer service was truly extraordinary. They helped me with a complete engine repair, and the job came out perfectly. The quality of the work exceeded my expectations, and they kept me informed throughout the entire process. A special thank you to Atif, the main service writer, who went above and beyond to make everything smooth and stress-free. He was knowledgeable, transparent, and genuinely cared about making sure I was taken care of. If you're looking for a trustworthy shop with excellent workmanship, fair pricing, and top-notch customer service, I highly recommend Hillside Auto . They've earned a customer for life!

I'm entirely confident I just got billed 200 dollars to hear the diagnosis for someone else's car…read more First, I would say communications were very poor. Brought my car in Monday, was told they would contact me monday, or Tuesday at the latest. Wednesday rolled around and I had not heard from them so I called in. They patch me through to the mechanic who OF COURSE tells me I need a new engine. My car was making a knocking noise which I thought was maybe a loose valve rocker, or worst case a rod bearing. The noise was coming from the top of the engine, so I was thinking valve related. Here's where it got super suspicious. The mechanic told me there was zero oil in my car, and that the engine codes I had given them were of no help. As fact, I had checked my oil the day before driving in, and it was at the perfect level. As fact, I did not give them any codes. I assured the mechanic there was oil in the car, he told me there was none and my engine was cooked. Needed a new one. I asked for pricing. He gave me a ballpark but said he can check around for a reconditioned engine. I asked him to put together a full, formal estimate and let me know a price. He said he would get back to me today or tomorrow. I didn't hear back at that day or the next, so on friday I called in and said I will be picking up my car. And this is the wild part. As I walk up to the place, I see my car parked our front. Same make, same model, same color. TURNS OUT, it was not my car. Mine was parked out back. I drove my car across the street, parked, popped the hood and checked the oil. Completely perfect level. I sincerely beleive that they looked at the other car that was just like mine, which probably had no oil, and they read me the diagnosis for that car. Frustrated, I go home and start watching youtube videos about engine noises and possible fixes. 400 bucks in parts later and a lot if swear words, my car is no longer making the knocking noise and is running great. Maybe it was a fluke that they had two Chrysler 300s there at the same time, but it was wild how bad the communications were, and how the mechanic just flat out didn't believe me when I said it had plenty of oil and I never gave them codes. While I am happy to have saved anywhere from 8000 to 10,000 bucks, it does not sit well with me that I paid 200 bucks for non responsiveness and a diagnosis that was 100% off. For the algorithm, below is a picture of my engine taken apart by me. Oh that reminds me, based on the condition of the engines dirt and grime, I am even MORE convinced that they never touched my engine.

Anza Service

3.7

(39 reviews)

* I've had the pleasure of having my car serviced for years now by Hassan at Anza Service Station…read more * The service & pricing is extraordinary for the care your car receives. * The wait time is usually a third of the time required by the dealership. * And they stand by their quality work & back it up with a warranty. * I'm extremely pleased with Hassan's management & service & highly recommend the Anza Service Station.

My experience with the owner and getting my car repaired at this place was so great. He was…read moreattentive, honest and helpful. My car was completed extremely fast and the owner went out of his way to save on cost by ordering a part from somewhere that was less expensive than ordering from the dealership. My car works perfect now and I will definitely be back for future repairs as needed. Thank you! :)

Sky Smog Test Only

(158 reviews)

Quick..no appt necessary..I will use next time. Tip go on a Saturday, yhe surrounding businesses…read moreare closed, making easier to get in and out.

Went for the first time today for a smog check based on their positive reviews. The owner Stan was…read moreprofessional, efficient and friendly. I was in and out in under 15 minutes. Price for the smog check was super reasonable, and less than the place I used to go to by MB Village mall.

Accurate Smog

(316 reviews)

Sasan technician is the best. I been taking my 4 cars to him for over 10 years now and he always…read moredoes the job right with a fare price.

Best smog check in town. The owner is professional, cordial and prompt. No dilly dally. He greets…read moreyou, takes your paperwork, tests and get you done in 20 minutes, if there's no waiting. Been coming here since 2020 for all of our cars.

Air Tech 24 Heating and Air Conditioning

(139 reviews)

We had a really good experience with Airtech24 Heating and Air Conditioning. What sold us right…read moreaway was Cyrus. He gave us a very straightforward, no-nonsense estimate and only recommended the work he actually felt was necessary. The price was fair, and that honesty is what made us decide to go with him. There were definitely some challenges along the way, especially with permits in our city. Apparently it is much tougher than others when it comes to permits, and it ended up requiring a lot more paperwork and extra effort than he expected. Even with all that, Cyrus stuck to his original quote and never tried to charge us more, which we really appreciated. Jaime and Jesus handled the installation of the air handler, ductwork, and heat pump. They worked hard, were very respectful of our home, kept things clean, and honestly were much quieter doing the work than I expected considering all the cutting and installation involved. They also worked hard to finish ahead of the timeline they originally gave us. Inspection passed with no issues, and now we've been using the AC for months with zero problems. Overall, we're really happy with the work and would definitely recommend them.

Very easy to work with and very honest with fair pricing. I will definitely use the company againread more

Normandie Auto Electric & Air Conditioning

(104 reviews)

They recharged the AC system on my 1970 Chevy el Camino just in time for summer heat. Always…read morefriendly and honest. Thanks guys!

Old man is nice! I wanted to check on my AC, old man told me they open at 9 so I went there at 9…read more He told me his mechanic is not there yet. The mechanic came almost at 10 saying he was working out.... Then he said he thought it was one of the part and wanted me to come back on Saturday, when I went back on Saturday they were closed. I went back to home and I replaced motor instead of some other part he ordered. A little unprofessional

Mobile Brake Guy

(325 reviews)

David was great! He arrived at my location right on time, and the entire service took about 20…read moreminutes. I originally planned on replacing both my brake pads and rotors, but after inspecting everything, he honestly recommended replacing only the rotors. He also pointed out a few other maintenance items that would need attention eventually, but made it clear they weren't urgent and never tried to pressure me into additional work. That level of honesty and transparency is refreshing and hard to find. I really appreciated the straightforward advice and excellent service. I would definitely recommend David and will be using him again for future maintenance.

I had a great experience with Mobile Brake Guy. He replaced the brake pads and rotors (front and…read morerear) on my 2018 Audi S5 Sportback, and the service was top-notch from start to finish. What really stood out is that he's honest and not your typical mechanic trying to upsell you. While he was doing the job, he pointed out a couple other small things that needed to be tightened up and took care of them--no pressure, just looking out and making sure everything was safe and done right. Best part: he comes to your house, which is huge. In today's world where it feels like everyone is trying to get over on you, this was a refreshing experience--professional, straightforward, and quality work. Definitely a repeat customer from here on out. Highly recommend!

Master Tech

(235 reviews)

I take my car to Master Tech for all mechanical repairs, routine service and body work. They are…read morethe best! Herbert, the owner, is a knowledgeable mechanic and has a skillful crew. He thoroughly explains the work to be done, any options and tries to find economical solutions. He's caring, professional and provides great customer service. Repairs When the mechanics repair something, it's fixed. I have never had to return. They are very skillful. They fixed a tricky problem with a headlight at a fraction of the cost others quoted. Honest Herbert is honest. He doesn't do unnecessary repairs. For example, Once I had a rattle whenever I started the car. He found a rock in the exhaust pipe and removed it. Body work I recently took my car in for some body work, The cost of the repairs was less than I expected. The car came back looking like new and the paint matched perfectly. Beautiful! I just want to say THANKS to Herbert and his crew and to recommend them highly! Rosann Taylor

Herbert was a big help for me with getting my 2016 Honda accord touring fixed. I had taken it to…read moremultiple mechanics AND the dealer, and no one could tell me exactly what my issue was and just be straight with me. I had an emissions system issue that gave me the code 'P0139'. The first mechanic I took it to last year told me that it was a simple o2 sensor issue (rightfully so considering the code I was getting), yet when he replaced the sensor, the light continually came on. So he replaced it again, and replaced another o2 sensor on the vehicle (according to him). When none of that worked, he told me that my catalytic converter was faulty, and that I was going to have to pay roughly 8k for a new one. Safe to say I didn't believe him, nor did I stick around and simply take his word for it. I started making calls and, at first, genuinely believed that I was going to have to come up with the 8k by summer 2026 (when my smog inspection was due). I thought at one point I was sold a faulty vehicle too and even tried to receive compensation for the error. Turns out that wasn't the case, and even if it was, there wasn't much I could about it anymore. I took it to others who quoted me ridiculous prices for a simple diagnostic, I took it to others that just simply couldn't tell me what was wrong, and then to make things more confusing, the light would go on and off and would even go off long enough for me to pass smog!!! (Even though the first guy I went to said my catalytic converter was bad). Then, I looked online and found Master Tech. Great reviews, great location in the South Bay (Torrance), and fair pricing. Diagnostic was about 160, which would go toward repairs if needed, and if they couldn't find the issue I'd pay zero dollars! When I first got there, already Herbert pointed out things no mechanic pointed out before. I was told and under the impression that all my sensors were new and changed... they weren't. He also informed me that my vehicle was an American built one (not Japanese or Canadian, which I heard can make all the difference in quality). That's information that, although wasn't a huge concern, let me know that this guy paid attention to detail and really cared about what he was doing. He then told me to leave it with him later on in the week so he could give the vehicle TLC (tender love and care), and to be comfortable with not having my vehicle for a couple days (wasn't a problem at all). Eventually he gets back to me after a day and lets me know that the sensor had to be changed out with an oem one, as the previous mechanic put in an aftermarket one. On the day that I picked the car up and paid for the install, we both hopped in and took it for a ride, and the engine was running smooth like butter now. No more rich running (causing my gas to burn faster), and no more harsh shifting. He then hands me over the old sensor and informs me that I should go get my money back from the other mechanic. It turns out, the other guy was trying to screw me over (surprise, surprise!), whereas Herbert was honest and righteous. The piece the other mechanic put in was a Bosch sensor, made specifically for German made vehicles. Smh. It was for VOLKSWAGENS and the like ONLY. He was just trying to get me to pay him thousands, and perhaps allow me to further damage my engine and transmission from the issues he was forcing my vehicle to go thru for the time that it wasn't working properly due to a lazy, incompatible o2 sensor. I was relieved that I found Herbert who was able to help me and install the correct piece for a fair price (443 roughly, as opposed to the almost 700 dollars the dealer would've tried to charge me). I like his style, and he is definitely a righteous mechanic. Thank you bro!

Honda Guys

See more unrecommended reviews

(190 reviews)

If you have a Honda, this is the place to go get your car fixed. They are honest and knowledgeable…read more Also, they are very nice. I took my Honda and they fixed it with much less cost I anticipated to pay at a dealership.

A very good things but they need to work on customer service…read more I asked for a quote and got an odd response telling me that the quote didn't make sense. I didn't ask what they meant and they never got back to me. I sent several texts over several days with no response. Lame.

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21 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Selena D.

8

22

8

1 year ago

If you're looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and professional auto service, look no further than Small & Auto Registration! This business is consistently responsible, responsive, and thorough--they don't just handle the task at hand, but they also ensure you understand the overall health of your car. Recently, I was preparing for a trip to Oakland when my car started acting up. The team quickly diagnosed the issue--something as small as my alarm needing to be reprogrammed through the key. They were incredibly patient and took the time to troubleshoot, making sure I was back on the road in time for my trip. Most importantly, they reassured me that my car was in great shape to make the journey safely. Beyond that, I trust them for my regular oil changes, and I appreciate that they always communicate the condition of my vehicle rather than just rushing through the service. Taking your car in can be stressful, but their professionalism and support make the process smooth and easy. Highly recommend Small & Auto Registration to anyone who values great service and honest communication about their vehicle. Five stars all the way! read more

Jenobi C.

0

1

0

10 years ago

Friendly and very thorough service!!! My Volkswagen Passat had a high pressure fuel related issue. Due to the high repairing cost, I have been tried to repair it through DIY for minor parts, such as cam follower and high pressure pump, and failed to resolve the issue of my car. After realizing that only mechanic can fix this issue, I came here. Steve inspected the issue in details and found exact root cause of the problem, male function of the fuel driving module, which originally required a cam replacement according to the error code. It saves a lot for me. I would visit this place again. Little bit crowded in parking area but highly recommend this place to anyone who are looking for reliable place for your fix. A+++++ read more

Nova T.

0

2

0

3 years ago

"I have been a loyal customer of Steve's business for many years. In my experience, he has consistently shown exceptional honesty and fairness in his prices compared to other shops. Steve goes above and beyond to address any issues I have with my car and even takes the time to educate me on its condition. I confidently recommend him to anyone in need of a mechanic or any car-related services. There have been instances where he has offered assistance, even if his shop doesn't provide the specific service I require, by guiding me on what steps to take or where to go. Steve truly is the best in his field." read more

Ron F.

0

1

0

16 years ago

I just recently brought my car in for smog and was surprised to learn that they did vehicle regisration as well. They took care of my smog certification and registration in the quickest and friendliest manner. After all the time I've spent waiting in DMV lines this place is an absolute treasure. The proprietor is nice and doesn't try to sell you on anything other than what you need...just a straight shooter, no bs. When it comes to convenience and avoiding the dreaded DMV there is no better place to go. Five Stars and two big thumbs up! I'm definitely going back for future services. read more

Irene V.

0

3

0

13 years ago

STAY AWAY FROM THIS GUY!!! Steve takes your money and then does his best to find something to fail you on. I passed my smog test. And then he failed me on my catalytic converter THAT HE HIMSELF PASSED 2 years ago. The same convertor! The same car. This guy is not cool! read more

William W.

0

6

7

11 years ago

I went to these guys without an appointment. I was in and out within a half hour. Luckily my car had no problems and the car passed. They seemed to be well informed about the new regulations for the smog laws. I had no problems with the service the performed. read more

Ann L.

0

1

0

12 years ago

They were great. Very professional, efficient, courteous. The place was immaculate and I was in and out in 20 minhutes. Plus their price was the best of any I could find in the area. I highly recommend them. read more

Raffi K.

0

2

0

15 years ago

great place to get your smog check done. fast and very easy with a pleasant atmosphere including the waiting area and the employees. I will definitely continue to come here for my smock checking needs. read more

David S.

0

2

0

11 years ago

Been going here for years.. Myself along w/ a friend of mine who is no longer w/ us.. I was given a discount as I've taken all 3 of my cars that I've owned to this station.. Service is quick and easy.. read more

Soung M.

21

3

16 years ago

this one is the best place I have ever been too. clean, fast, even my vehicle was registerd right after smog done. staff was really good.. read more

Billy C.

0

1

0

15 years ago

Quick, clean, and professional. Will come back with my next car that is due for a smok check in a few mounths.

Melissa T.

62

1

0

11 years ago

Very quick and super nice thank u soo much.. I came in with my kids and they had me in and out with in 20 min.

Christopher L.

7

5

0

15 years ago

the place has nice staff, and is very helpful. also they registered my car and i skipped the long DMV wait

Zen B.

0

4

3

8 years ago

Great customer service. And it didn't take me long to wait to help me get my car done. Very quick and fast.

Jamie S.

179

11

1

12 years ago

These guys were great and super quick. I was in and out in 20 minutes. Would definitely recommend it.

Tracy C.

0

2

0

12 years ago

These guys are absolutely fabulous! I was in and out within 30 minutes and this was on the weekend.

Emily W.

0

38

0

7 years ago

Fast and friendly. In and out in less than 15 minutes. What more do you want out of a smog check?!

Jennifer H.

12

8

4

10 years ago

Amazingly fast service. We took our M3 for a smog and we were in and out in less than 15 minutes!

Toni T.

0

3

0

8 years ago

Next to my mechanic, makes coming here easy. They really check all aspects of smog test.

Bonnie L.

0

3

0

9 years ago

Steve was very helpful and the service was quick. Will definitely go back.

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One Stop Lube N Brakes

(164 reviews)

I had a great experience with this car service. My side mirror was completely broken off, and they…read morefixed it quickly and did an excellent job. The staff was friendly, professional, and made the whole process easy. They went above and beyond my expectations, and I really appreciated their great customer service. I am definitely coming back for all my repairs!

As someone who has struggled with finding the right place to get my car serviced for years...I've…read morefinally found the one! From different auto shops to even dealerships -- not one place has done as an exceptional job as One Stop Lube N Brakes. I initially thought I only had one issue with my brake pads needing to be replaced, but it turned out that I needed other things to be fixed as well. They didn't take advantage and broke down step by step each issue and what I actually wanted to get fixed instead of overcharging. My entire service was done within two hours and car drives so smoothly. Having peace of mind and finding a place that you can trust with your vehicle is truly priceless. Will be coming back and recommending to all my friends/colleagues.

Anza Mobil Service

4.7

(159 reviews)

I just visited there today since my husband came here before for the smog check…read more I asked the person I go to cafe across the street and come back and there are subway and Amai cafe which I love to have drinks. Price is very good as this location and I don't think I didn't wait long at all. I already recommended to my friend who need smog test for her next car registration renewal. Thank you.

The mechanics here are awesome. Really great, honest guys. I always stress with car stuff as I tend…read moreto have bad luck. I had a slow leak and was hopeful only a patch was needed but was anxious to take it in expecting it to be worse and costing me a lot. I've been here a couple times and they've always been great. I trust anyone my dad recommends and he has nothing but good things to say about these guys. I showed up this morning and the greeted me right away, had me pull back and they spotted a nail in the tire. Patches it up no problem. I think I was there all of 4 minutes if that. Thanks guys!!

ECO SMOG - Smog Check & Auto Registration Service

(488 reviews)

I was looking for a location to complete the emissions test after purchasing a used car in Arizona,…read moreas it was required to transfer the title. ECO SMOG advertised a one-stop service, which made it the obvious choice to save time. I stopped by without an appointment directly after returning from Arizona, about 1.5 hours before closing. Dru initially informed me that there might not be enough time to complete everything since he already had other appointments scheduled. I understood and was completely fine with that since I did not have an appointment. There were a few cars ahead of me, so I waited about 15-20 minutes before it was my turn. Dru completed the VIN verification and emissions test on my vehicle. He then mentioned that the next appointment was running late and offered to fit my car in for the title transfer and registration so I could receive my plates and tags without needing to return. I was very excited to hear that, as it saved me an additional trip to the DMV or AAA. Dru was professional, efficient, and extremely helpful throughout the entire process. It's clear that customer service is a priority here. The convenience of having everything handled in one place made the experience smooth and stress-free. While some other places may offer coupons for less expensive emissions testing, the value of top-notch service and genuine customer care is well worth it. The time saved and the quality of service provided made the experience far more valuable. Thank you, Dru, for going the extra mile to help me out. I highly recommend this business to anyone who needs smog services or assistance with vehicle registration. It was a great experience from start to finish.

ECO Smog is a STAR certified smog check station- requirements of the DMV when registering your car…read moreand needs a smog check. I made an appointment through their website, very user friendly, and received a confirmation text shortly after. I decided I needed to modify my appointment, there didn't seem to be an option to do it on the website, so I texted the number back and asked to change my appointment, this was done quickly without issues. I arrived to my appointment 10 mins early. Dru was very helpful, friendly and professional. He entered my car's info into the system, and once my car passed the smog check, everything was updated and entered into the system already so that when I pay my registration, the DMV (or in my case, AAA) will see that my car passed the smog test. In case the system isn't updated, I was provided with a hard copy certificate to prove that it passed. My entire appointment took 10mins altogether, can't beat that! Pricing was fair and affordable, depends on the year of your car. Will definitely recommend this place to anyone who needs a quick smog check station.

Bob Lee Automotive Center

3.2

(80 reviews)

I stopped by this location to get a simple quote and had one of the worst customer service…read moreexperiences I've ever had. The man inside, Peter, was extremely unprofessional and rude from the moment I walked in. Before I even asked him anything, he was already snapping at another customer, rolling his eyes, and talking to them disrespectfully while they were on the phone. When it was my turn, he immediately said, "Oh, are you going to pay me, or do you want me to do this work for free?" -- and I hadn't even explained what I needed yet. The attitude, the laziness, and the disrespect were unbelievable. If this is the standard here, it makes sense why this place is sitting at a 3-star rating. If Peter is an employee, he seriously needs retraining or should not be dealing with customers. If he's the owner, then it's clear why this business is going downhill. Definitely wouldn't recommend dealing with him.

STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THIS PLACE AS POSSIBLE. They damaged…read moremr radiator while taking out my water pump. They didn't even replace my water pump. They only changed the gasket. I asked for removed parts, even if I had to pay core charge. They refused to give me replaced parts. THIS IS ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA. Peter has the worst Customer service ever.

Lomita Auto Service

4.7

(62 reviews)

I was having problems with our 2017 Nissan Rogue not starting at random times. We thought maybe it…read morewas the alternator but we weren't sure. I even had AAA come out and do a battery assessment and they said the battery was fine and that we probably needed an alternator. So not knowing where to start, I looked up auto repair places near my home in Lomita on Yelp and Lomita Auto Service popped up. They had great reviews so I decided to get an estimate. Not only did they exceed my expectations, we didn't need to replace the alternator, it was the battery all along. Mo was very professional and could've easily charged me for a new alternator which is a very expensive repair but he said it was more important to change the battery and that the alternator will eventually need to be changed but didn't need it at this time. I was so relieved and thankful that I found a place I could trust that would not take advantage of me. So grateful that I've found my "go to place" for our vehicles! Thank you Mo for your honesty and professionalism!

I came here to mount a couple tires and told it would be $40 each. Okay, that's fine to have a tire…read moremounted and balanced. But it was being told I had to pay cash and there's a $5 per tire disposal fee after I came in for my appointment. If you're going to quote a price to do a job, include all the details whether big or small.

King Harbor Auto Repair

(124 reviews)

A humble looking shop that boasts incredible knowledge and service. You could say, this is my car…read moreguy. They have been fair, transparent, and honest with fantastic service. They make intelligent parts decisions, educated me on options, and provided solutions. What more could you ask? They are a tremendous mechanic operation.

Great guys who helped run an AC diagnostic test for my car. Gave great advice and will be coming…read moreback if I have issues

A1 Smog Test Center

(1.3k reviews)

Supporting local businesses is important to me, so I decided to give A1 Smog in Lawndale a try for…read morethe first time--and I'm glad I did! From start to finish, everything was smooth sailing. They answered all of my questions promptly through Yelp, responded quickly, and even made me feel welcomed before I had even arrived. No upselling, no surprises--just honest, straightforward business. That's refreshing these days. I came in on a Friday morning, and they had me in and out exactly within the promised timeframe. Parking was easy, and they even have a comfortable waiting area to escape the blazing South Bay sun. My sunscreen definitely appreciated the break! A big thank you to Jose for taking great care of both me and my beloved Honda EG. (Fellow car enthusiasts know...our cars are basically family members. ) He was professional, friendly, and made the entire process stress-free. I actually grew up in Lawndale and lived here for 19 years, so it was nice to finally experience a local business that truly delivers on customer service. As a business owner myself, I know that honest communication and treating customers well are what keep people coming back. I've found my new go-to smog shop and will definitely be returning for future smogs. I'll also be recommending A1 Smog to my friends and family. Thanks again, Jose, for making something as routine as a smog check a genuinely pleasant experience!

Easy in and out. No appointment. Honored the coupon I found online. Jose was a pleasure to work…read morewith. Will return for my next STAR Smog Check. FYI, Bob's automotive down the street bait and switched me once I arrived and tried to charge me three times the coupon price because I was testing a 2014 Porsche 911. Jose was honest!!!

L-Spec Auto Repair & Performance in South Bay

(163 reviews)

I can't recommend L-Spec enough! After my check engine light came on, I spoke with Alex, who…read moreoffered to take a look at my car for free--saving me the $200 diagnostic fee other shops were charging. It turned out my turbocharger needed replacing, and another issue could have potentially required a whole new engine. Given that my car has over 150,000 miles, Alex gave me his honest, professional opinion: it wasn't worth the investment. I am so grateful for his integrity. Instead of trying to talk me into an expensive repair, he prioritized what was best for me. It's rare to find a mechanic who cares more about the customer than the bottom line. I'll definitely be sending everyone I know to L-Spec!

Another above-and-beyond experience with Alex, Katie and the team. Bottom line... they just do…read moreeverything with care. I just moved 20 miles away from them but will always come back. Thanks guys!

Master Tech

(235 reviews)

I take my car to Master Tech for all mechanical repairs, routine service and body work. They are…read morethe best! Herbert, the owner, is a knowledgeable mechanic and has a skillful crew. He thoroughly explains the work to be done, any options and tries to find economical solutions. He's caring, professional and provides great customer service. Repairs When the mechanics repair something, it's fixed. I have never had to return. They are very skillful. They fixed a tricky problem with a headlight at a fraction of the cost others quoted. Honest Herbert is honest. He doesn't do unnecessary repairs. For example, Once I had a rattle whenever I started the car. He found a rock in the exhaust pipe and removed it. Body work I recently took my car in for some body work, The cost of the repairs was less than I expected. The car came back looking like new and the paint matched perfectly. Beautiful! I just want to say THANKS to Herbert and his crew and to recommend them highly! Rosann Taylor

Herbert was a big help for me with getting my 2016 Honda accord touring fixed. I had taken it to…read moremultiple mechanics AND the dealer, and no one could tell me exactly what my issue was and just be straight with me. I had an emissions system issue that gave me the code 'P0139'. The first mechanic I took it to last year told me that it was a simple o2 sensor issue (rightfully so considering the code I was getting), yet when he replaced the sensor, the light continually came on. So he replaced it again, and replaced another o2 sensor on the vehicle (according to him). When none of that worked, he told me that my catalytic converter was faulty, and that I was going to have to pay roughly 8k for a new one. Safe to say I didn't believe him, nor did I stick around and simply take his word for it. I started making calls and, at first, genuinely believed that I was going to have to come up with the 8k by summer 2026 (when my smog inspection was due). I thought at one point I was sold a faulty vehicle too and even tried to receive compensation for the error. Turns out that wasn't the case, and even if it was, there wasn't much I could about it anymore. I took it to others who quoted me ridiculous prices for a simple diagnostic, I took it to others that just simply couldn't tell me what was wrong, and then to make things more confusing, the light would go on and off and would even go off long enough for me to pass smog!!! (Even though the first guy I went to said my catalytic converter was bad). Then, I looked online and found Master Tech. Great reviews, great location in the South Bay (Torrance), and fair pricing. Diagnostic was about 160, which would go toward repairs if needed, and if they couldn't find the issue I'd pay zero dollars! When I first got there, already Herbert pointed out things no mechanic pointed out before. I was told and under the impression that all my sensors were new and changed... they weren't. He also informed me that my vehicle was an American built one (not Japanese or Canadian, which I heard can make all the difference in quality). That's information that, although wasn't a huge concern, let me know that this guy paid attention to detail and really cared about what he was doing. He then told me to leave it with him later on in the week so he could give the vehicle TLC (tender love and care), and to be comfortable with not having my vehicle for a couple days (wasn't a problem at all). Eventually he gets back to me after a day and lets me know that the sensor had to be changed out with an oem one, as the previous mechanic put in an aftermarket one. On the day that I picked the car up and paid for the install, we both hopped in and took it for a ride, and the engine was running smooth like butter now. No more rich running (causing my gas to burn faster), and no more harsh shifting. He then hands me over the old sensor and informs me that I should go get my money back from the other mechanic. It turns out, the other guy was trying to screw me over (surprise, surprise!), whereas Herbert was honest and righteous. The piece the other mechanic put in was a Bosch sensor, made specifically for German made vehicles. Smh. It was for VOLKSWAGENS and the like ONLY. He was just trying to get me to pay him thousands, and perhaps allow me to further damage my engine and transmission from the issues he was forcing my vehicle to go thru for the time that it wasn't working properly due to a lazy, incompatible o2 sensor. I was relieved that I found Herbert who was able to help me and install the correct piece for a fair price (443 roughly, as opposed to the almost 700 dollars the dealer would've tried to charge me). I like his style, and he is definitely a righteous mechanic. Thank you bro!

Sun Smog