It felt like the guy working here was going to fight me when I mentioned coupons. Politely thanked him and went on my day. The place two blocks away was 20 dollars cheaper, so I guess it was a blessing in disguise. read more

Love this place! Good customer service! Always friendly to customers. Great Customer Service! read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Avoid. Refused to honor their own coupons. Declined coupon off website which they claimed to be old, then declined to honor $30 off as clearly showing on their site. Poor guy at the shop clearly terrified of the boss... via text only allowed him to offer $20 off. Edit: Image below is literally what prints from your webpage. I had the print out I had in my hand as if it were 1998. Trying to keep $ local and would have happily just taken $30 off. Just ask a neighborhood kid to fix your website so your business doesn't feel so scammy... read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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Today at 11:00 a.m., I brought my car in for a smoke test. At 12:00 p.m., I politely asked if it would be completed by 12:30 p.m., explaining that I needed to pick up my grandson from school. I also made it clear that if it could not be finished by then, I was happy to come back later. The staff member, who appeared very upset, abruptly returned my car key and told me not to come back. I was surprised by this reaction, as I was simply trying to plan around my family responsibilities and offered to be flexible with the timing. read more

overpriced reluctant to honor coupons. rude and brusque for no reason. Will not be going back

Been coming here for about ten yrs. Last two years service was grumpy, and, last year, I was told that I needed some kind of certificate on our catalytic converter afte it had been stolen and we replaced it with a new one from the dealer. Guy told me it was a used one and didn't have the proper info on it, and inspection failed but it sounded suspicious so I brought it down the road to where the catalytic converter had been replaced. I was given the serial number needed, told that it was on and visible and a photo of the info needed. I then was advised to go to Richmond Star Smog, they were reputable. I did, and he said go back to a Smogsters and they will re test for free, if I test, it will cost you. Wise advice! So, I went back and gave the guy the info needed and the car passed the re-test. Basically, the Smogsters employee didn't know where to look and gave me bad info. Next day I drove in and alerted the owner who was kind and said he was sorry that happened. Fair enough, so I Tried them again today, as they are close to my home and I can use the annual $20 off coupon they send me every year. Got there and there were 4 cars parked in the lot and one blocking one of the entrances on Tehama. So I pulled in to the only open spot on the lot, while the employee was walking an elderly woman to a seat. "Hey that's kind" I thought. Before I had a chance to get out of my car, he goes in to the garage, instead of approaching the car, and shakes his head no a few times. I opened my window and asked "do you have time for another smog today or are you closing?" He just continues to shake his head No and motions with his hand across his neck like "NO unh-unh not happening". So I said "what do you mean?" He said "you're in the way I have to pull a car in there" very gruff. I said "ok no problem but there was no where else to park. There's no need to be rude, you can just ask me to park somewhere else. I'll just leave now, and go somewhere else" So I drove off to him saying something, not sure what, but it was not in a tone like "sorry yes we have time please park there" it was more like "I don't care". So I left and went to Richmond Star Smog where they charge LESS by $30 than Smogsters! Even without a coupon. Well, looks like I have a new Star Smog Station. Thanks Richmond Star Smog! Editing to say I stopped in today to see if I could speak to the owner about what happened. Owner not there, and I was told I can't get contact info for the owner. Employee said I can call the shop and leave a message, that the owner never comes in when the shop is open, he only comes on Sundays when it's closed, and there's no email or direct phone line to contact him. I said I think his name is George, and asked how should I reach George is there's an issue and Id like to alert him. Employee said "You can't reach him, he doesn't give out a personal Cell phone number, and he never comes in when the shop is open. I'm just filling in for him." Pretty sure this is the same employee I had the encounter with last night. So, I'm supposed to believe that the owner doesn't care if customers have an issue with the business he owns??? That seems....unlikely. Well, George, if you're reading this, you've lost a long term local customer, and I hope you are able to sort out the issues at the shop. I hope it becomes a better local place for people to easily get their car smogged. read more

They get you in and out quickly. I had to post more words to meet 85 characters. I thought this was enough, but maybe now?

Was very unpleasant. Try to understand the price that was on the screen monitor and figure out what was the 10 $ dollars difference. The guy was giving me a such a rude attitude and telling me to talk to him and that was enough. Why looking at the screen as i am telling in front of you this is it. Wow. Very disappointed with the customer service, bad attitude. Not even taking time to explain things. Courtesy never killed.Well, last time here for sure. Make sure you take the coupon as they will not tell you you could save some. Also price does not include the certificate cost. Total cost $58. Test took about 10mns read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

There's only one person working at this site this Saturday morning but he is responsive and fast. As people walked in, he attended to them as soon as he could and gave them an estimate of how long the process was going to take. small waiting room but lots of amenities near by if you did not want to wait. Don't forget to check in on the yelp app to get a discount on your smog. Originally $89 but there's a $20 discount coupon. Show the coupon before he print out the paperwork. read more

I just called them, gave them my vehicle model and year, and was given a cost of $88.99 total with cert. I told them I had a coupon for $30 off and then was told that it is $30 extra to smog a pickup truck. In case some readers need help following the sequence of events -- I was given a price based on year/model of my truck and cert. needed, and when I next told them of $30 coupon the price was immediately increased by (big surprise) exactly $30. Two events could fix this nonsense: 1) reviewers should give the PRICE they paid, certificate needed (star or not), and vehicle model/year -- instead of accolades about how "professional" the smog inspection was (this is like bragging how professional the experience was purchasing gas at a gas station, lol.) 2) CA state requires the inspection, they should just take over the service and charge a set fee for each vehicle-certification. Making smog inspections similar to haggling at a swap meet undermines the purpose of the inspection. read more

4:44 pm, get denied upon arrival, "we're closed", with vehicle entrance opened and main door entrance opened. The attendee was at opposite side of the building in which upon hearing my vehicle's motor walked to only quickly decline a required Smog Test. "We close at 5pm. . It takes 10-15 minutes. We're closed". No buts - no apologies- just matter of fact direct tone of voice after clarification of my questions regarding "Has there been a change of hours?", noticing my digital clock indicating 4:45 pm . Amazing customer service. Questions lingering is why advertise closing at 5 pm when it's at the company's free will. The Smog Test is a State mandatory test - for a 10-15 minute test , similar to a $352.00/hour. Because of my love for my foreign car and knowing a Smog Test will be required for a yearly renewal, I will go to another Star Smog Test down the street who was available and within ten minutes, I am back on the road driving my 2012 certified "Smog Free" vehicle that now can get its registration renewed. Thx for reading this. read more

Came here for a smog test Failed the first test, got recommendations on what to do to pass. Was able to come back for one free re-test and passed. read more

My dad took his 1995 car here for a smog test. It did not initially pass, but Rick went the extra mile to help him pinpoint what the potential problem could have been. Overall he provided my dad great service and was very efficient. Thanks, Rick! read more

The guy was great. He did the smog, and then completed my registration. He was prompt and respectful. Can't ask for much better than that. I'll be going here from now on. read more

on June 11th i brought my Durango into this smog shop to get a smog . i paid aa total 138.00 dollars i was told it was 99.00 with a free re-test i was charged more . after test i was told it failed and had a loose evac tube so i left connected my evac hose filled tank up and drove it for over a hundred miles . the check engine light turned off and i brought it back for re test. i was told there computer would no longer communicate to there computer and could not complete smog. i took my truck to a mechanic and they had no problem communicating with my truck computer. i brought it back to smog place and he said it still does not communicate . i brought it to another mechanic and again they had no problem with communications so i brought it back to smog place and again was told they could not communicate to my trucks computer. at this time i thought maybe there smog places computer was not updated and gave it ten days went back and he said it still was not communicating with my truck . i left and a few days later i brought the Durango to another calif certified smog test center. i asked before i paid another hundred plus dollars if they could check to see if there system would communicate with my Durango they had no problem so i asked them to proceed with a full new smog test that cost me 180 dollars and it not only had communication it passed. at this time i went back to original smog test place they hooked it up and again said there system had no communications with my Durango . i showed them i just got a passing smog at a calif state certified smog center that had no problem communicating with my truck and passed it . they explained to me they had no idea what they did to connect or pass but they cant communicate with my car i asked for a refund they refused and said they performed the service . i explained to them if there computer did not have issues and was working properly i would not have had to pay another place 180 bucks or if i new they had problems i would have gone to the other place and would not have had to pay there 138 bucks . they guy was full of gaslight and attitude and would not refund or take any responsibility read more

Jarred is Efficient, Fast, Friendly, and Professional! Walked me through how to use their coupon via check-in. Been taking our vehicles here for years now and we are very pleased. read more

I was in and out in 30 minutes! Bam! Paid on my phone and registered! Ready for 2020! There's Tala coffee and tea across the street to wait it out and get snacks. read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Just called and walked into get my smog test for 2020. In and out! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I was in and out in half an hour. Was such a breeze. Even got my registration taken care of right then and there.

Absolutely no issues here. 1) Cost: around $45 after tax + smog certificate fee + annnd their yelp discount 2) service: took about 15 minutes - great customer service- very kind 3) highlights: close proximity to basin Robbins (grab a cone while you wait) , very close to a Japanese strip mall + 20 minutes walk to the rl cerrito shopping plaza read more

Came in this morning couldn't use my smog coupon because I didn't print out the coupon. I don't understand why not because it says show your screen to an employee to use the coupon. read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Affordable, quick and courteous. Walked me through how to use their coupon using check in. Very professional.

Smogsters is STAR certified. Helpful and close to El Cerrito DMV. I will be going there in the future.

Stopped here in need of a smog during my break and was impressed by how kind and efficient they were. I was able to use the Yelp coupon and checked in taking advantage of the discount. Highly recommended and it was so easy. Many thanks! read more

We dropped off our 2009 Toyota Camry LE at 11:17am. An hour later it was done. Richard Martinez was very helpful, and suggested that we check out the local restaurant H&J for breakfast. We had a lovely meal, and came back to find our car ready and waiting. Excellent service! read more

This place is fabulous! There is one guy working there by himself and he is communicative and pleasant. Decent prices too and I got a coupon for visiting the first time on Yelp. Highly recommend! read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Solid smog place to go, doesn't take long for cars that are 2000+ (non tail pipe test). You will need to print out the coupon to get the discount, so don't expect to just mention it. You will need to put that work in. Have been here many times and it's the same person working. Has a small waiting area but plenty of space to park while waiting for the person being smogged vs other places that are cramped. read more

Guy working there was very cool and helpful with my 2003 Honda Accord. I'll be going back when that time comes again. Thank you.

Friendly pro-tip: check into yelp! These guys make it super easy to get your smog check done, especially if you're trying to knock it out on a Saturday, when coming from the El Cerrito DMV. In, out, and check in saves my wallet some moolah too read more

Rick has smog'd 3 different autos for me, each time without an appointment. Rick is experienced and efficient with his approach to customers and the smog process. I hope he takes over the smog world and becomes KINGPIN! TY VERY MUCH! read more

Very easy to get my car done at the last minute today. I called to see if I needed an appointment, was told a time to come in, and got fast and friendly service. Very pleased to have found this local and convenient spot. read more

We have been taking all our cars at Smogsters Star Test only in El Cerrito for 2 years now. Rick has been great to work with. He is professional, efficient, and has excellent customer service. The most honest smog company out there. The place is spic and span - very important nowadays especially with the COVID-19 virus around. I highly recommend this place!!! read more

*No appointment. *Drove in after 4pm. *Short wait time. *Done in 20 mins. *No hassle! *Got a discount! Thanks, Richard! read more

got my smog done SUPER FAST! And they even offer DMV registration services. It took me less then 10mins to transfer a title and renew my car reg. They do charge an extra fee.... But so worth it then dealing with the 2 hour wait at the DMV. Also they offer a $20 discount on the smog if you check in while you wait. read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Had a coupon with my phone. The guy said he doesn't accept a picture of the coupon only paper despite that it did not say present this in PAPER. It only said "preset this coupon before service". I think this just a trick to mislead and avoid honoring coupons. Hard to find honest service read more

Smogsters Star Test Only - Smog Check Stations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Extremely fast, friendly service and great price- especially with the yelp check in offer. Convenient location as well.

Richard at Smogsters knows what customer service is all about. Polite, efficient, acknowledges customers when they arrive. He's clearly a car guy at heart too, and I enjoyed the way he gave me a cool compliment on my dear Dodge Dakota. I have in the past gone elsewhere in hasty bids to get my vehicles STAR-checked but I have since learned my lesson. Don't mess around, go see Smogsters and bypass the other clowns who don't know how to treat customers. I won't go anywhere else anymore. read more

Smogsters was super fast and professional. In and out in 15 mins max. plus they had a coupon on yelp that they honored. Yay!

Don't waste your time this is no better than any other smog testing center. I went thinking I was getting a deal with the coupon I received in the mail. Not!!! I was charged $10 extra to remove a plastic piece that sits on top of my engine. Literally it was four bolts and he changed me $10 extra bucks. Now I get $10 won't break me but what a scam, especially since no one else ever charged me before. By the way the service wasn't that great either. Do yourself a favor go to the smog center next door or the one a block away. read more

1/29/2018 This place was a great place to get my smog check. The guy there was super welcoming as soon as I walked in. I asked him if he could do a walk-in smog check, but he informed me a small emergency had occurred with his current car, so I'd have to wait probably 30 minutes before my car could be seen. No problem. I gave him my car info, handed him the keys, and walked across the street to Marshalls to kill some time. About 40 minutes pass by, and I get a call telling me my car is done. Awesome! l walk back, use the yelp check-in discount on my phone = $45.00 total (this included the $8.25 certification fee). Nice guy. Great/fast service. Coupon. What more could you ask for? Highly recommend. read more

Quoted me $88 for my '97 528i and tried to say that the Yelp check-in coupon would bring total down by $10. Yelpers, you read the coupon and tell me how much service should have cost me. Got my smog checked elsewhere, beware! read more