My hot, sexy minivan needed a smog check to complete registration. Running out of time, I went here. It's family owned and operated. Excellent- I prefer that. The owner(?) was really nice. My minivan should've cost 69.95 to have it smogged, but he gave me a 10 dollar discount. No idea why, but I'll take it! He estimated 15 minutes and it was done in 15 minutes. Why the 3 stars? The office is filthy. Seriously. I know, it's a car shop but even a quick vacuuming or dusting would've made this place more appealing. I was only there for 15 minutes, but it can be a bit cleaner. With that said, I would return and would tell others about it. read more

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My wife took one of our cars to Smog Depot #1 today for a routine smog test. The car failed the test and the guy that performed the test ("Mohammad") told her that it's a oxygen sensor problem. We own 2 of the exact same cars ("His &Hers") and I am very familiar with them. A problem with one of the four oxygen sensors would have illuminated a Check Engine light on the dash, which is a automatic smog test fail (before they even hook up to the machine). Final review to come. 4/17 Update: The reason that the car did not pass the smog test was because the the cars computer was not ready to be tested. This can be determined immediately when the test connector is plugged into the cars test (OBDII) port. Basically these scammers charged us $60.00 to tell us we can't test your car. They can now expect to be contact by the BAR (California Bureau of Auto Repair) regarding their shady practices. read more

Quick and efficient. Called same day and they were able to fit me for an appointment. I brought my car in and 20 minutes later I was on my way with the smog inspection report. $40 total after using the online coupon. Simple and easy, not much more you could ask for. read more

Great communication! Took my car even though there were some questions with it being an older car. They brought it to my attention right away and it was explained. Highly recommend for their communication and being up front! read more

Really fast smog check at a reasonable price $50, the guy is really strict though my vehicle was missing a sticker on a K&N air intake and had to order one and come back with the sticker. read more

I wish I could give zero stars. My son took his car to be repaired at a neighboring business and the owner of the smog depot backed into my sons car. 3 months later and he is still gving my son the run around, telling him he doesn't have business insurance. STAY AWAY!!! read more

I have a Volkswagen Jetta and because of that it is so hard to find a place to actually smog it. I called all over town and everyone said they couldn't do it! I found Smog Depot who was able to do it AND completed it within 15 minutes! It was quick, easy, and great service! I will definitely come back for my next smog! read more

Responding to the previous review, there are two smog check places in the same strip mall. The other one is probably the one you had trouble with because they are a full-service shop. But Smog Depot is a "test only" shop. I was very impressed with the service. The owner does the work himself, and he is very friendly and professional. The whole process took about 20 minutes, and he even submitted my certificate electronically. If you are pretty sure your car will pass, then this is a very quick, painless, and inexpensive option. There is even a coupon on their website ... http://smogdepot1.com/ read more

I have visited this place 3 times so I am a repeat customer but something rotten has changed. The magazines were old-I even found one over a year old. The owner almost gave another woman MY car keys. Luckily I stopped him. Obviously he can't tell the difference between a Honda & a Chevrolet. The worst part was the fee. My vehicle did not pass & I paid $71.50. He said that if I come back he'd re-test & take $30 off but he wouldn't put that in writing. I found another place in town that charges $46 if you don't pass & $55 with certificate if you do pass. Plus their lobby is air conditioned, decorated with nice furniture, they offer free soda & candy. Wow, lower prices, better customer service & a nicer lobby...guess where my money and recommendations are going. read more

I arrived at 2:30 PM and there was a sign that said "Open". However, the door was locked with a hand written sign that read "be back at 4:00" That does not work for me and I went elsewhere for my smog check. read more

Brought my Hummer over to Smog Depot for a routine REG-mandated smog check. Mr. Mohammad was courteous, professional and very prompt. Pulled the car into his shop and less than 15 minutes later returned with the smog check cert. I couldn't imagine a better experience. Highly recommend and would come to him again for my next smog. read more

Third time's a charm. This was my third stop in trying to get my car smogged. Service was quick! And the gentleman was very friendly. The best part: he was open when he says he would be according to the Penny Saver ad and coupon. My other two stops had handwritten notes on the doors differing from posted hours. I did a check in so I would remember where I went so I can return when the next car needs smog. read more

Took my car in and completely forgot the check engine light was in. Obviously an automatic failure. He knew this and continued with smog check. Of course it failed. And charged me for the smog $60 and said he had to charge for the retest. Totally legal but not ethical. Do not go here. read more

The name of this place is "Smog Depot #1." Not "Smog Depot." Located behind Jiffy Lube on San Marcos Blvd. I recommend this 'test only' smog facility. It doesn't service, perform repairs or sell any products....so there is no way they can try to sell you anything. No vested interest to try to fail you or try to find anything wrong with your car to sell you repairs. That is the way to go. Brought my other car here and they didn't try to sell me services like another smog place. Also my car dash lights weren't lit up. Not a very pretty lobby. But I received friendly and fast service. And I only paid $40 !!! read more

This is the place to go to get a quick smog check at a reasonable price. It is a small shop in an automotive strip mall area of San Marcos. He usually runs a coupon in the ads you get in the mail every week and gets the job done in about 15 minutes normally. Our family has a few vehicles and we have been going here for years. It is a test only station. A few things to note: he leaves by noon on Saturday, is closed Sunday and he doesn't seem to stay later; larger vehicles are extra so if you have a truck, SUV, etc. plan to pay more; the shop is small and it is just him so there may be a wait if you go during peak hours; he is a no nonsense guy so no frills here, just smog it and go. I don't mind the inconvenience of the few items noted above as long as I know the test will be done right and honestly, so try him out. Just call ahead first and make sure he is there and see what the wait is like. And it IS called Smog Depot #1. It is the place in the picture shown. read more

Don't go to these guys. They fully take advantage of the fact that they are closest to DMV and charge $70 for a smog that would cost you only $50-$60 anywhere else in San Diego County. After being ripped off I called all the local Smog stations and came to realize quickly these guys provide nothing more for the money. They charge you more because the state does not regulate it. Because of this they get away with it! read more

This was my fastest smog test ever! I was in and out of there in 20 min. They do not take appts, walk-ins only. Also, make sure you check their website first and see if they have any coupons. With the coupon I only paid $40 for the test and the certificate. read more