Creepy and rude owner walked out and barked orders at us to move our vehicle out of "his parking spot" even though it was a public shared parking lot. When I asked why, he said "because I said so" lmao. Made my girlfriend very uncomfortable. His shop was completely empty except for some pieces of junk and there was no one else parked there. His place also looked like a complete mess. Told him he would do better business if he was more polite. Shop next door said they get a lot of complaints about this place. Go elsewhere. I would never bring any of my vehicles here, and neither should anyone else. read more

US Smog - Do NOT come here. Disgusting and rude - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I had a quick and easy experience. Martin was very friendly. The process of getting my smog check was efficient and pleasant.

These guys just want money. Guy at front desk won't listen to what I have to say and is rude. Don't waste your time! If it had zero, I would do zero stars read more

This is the BEST Smog check/cert shop around! Martin is super cool, professional, unbelievable FAST service. You won't regret driving further to get your smog check done here!! Make sure identify the shop as US Smog as their are others in same plaza... which I got duped before and really regretted that one years ago. read more

US Smog - Martin, best Smog dude around!! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The guy named " Horacio" . He is an old man . But the way he talked and explained to you very funny not professional. 1 st attempt , my car did not pass . So I have to come back after I fixed all and the engine check light turn off . Come back for the re test and did not pass too . He said don't need to repair and fix just drive until 100.000 miles so it will pass. I'm not lucky to choice that place . Never come back again . read more

Quick and easy to work with. No need for an appointment. I stopped by at around 8 AM on a saturday morning and was done in 20 minutes.

I tried finding a discount smog station and US Smog came up. The website said that it was open on Sunday, so I tried calling, but there was no answer. I went down there and they were closed. I guess because it was Memorial Day weekend, but that information was not on the website. It said that they were open. Next I tried calling on the following Thursday, but again no answer. I went down there again and they were open this time. In the office I presented my coupon for $29.75, but was told that the total cast would be about $58. Really? That's almost double the advertised price. It was explained to me that there is an extra $10 charge for SUVs and the state certificate fee. I asked why there was an extra charge for SUVs. Did it cost the shop more to test SUVs? I was told that for some SUVs there some extra tests or something that wasn't too clear to me. He said that it didn't apply to my car. So why am I paying extra? It's because my car is designated "UT" (utility vehicle). It just didn't make any sense that they charged me an extra $10, but didn't do anything extra to deserve this add-on fee. The owner decided to give me back $2 after I complained about this. The total cost was $56, which is a far cry from $29.75. It still didn't add up. It would have been much easier to swallow if I had not been lured into this place with a great sounding deal. read more

By far the worst place to get smog service. Actively have been scamming people by giving bogus fails to make money on retesting and commission for services required for nearby shops read more

I have been going here for years now to get my car & now my van smog checked. They are excellent & offer an online coupon at times too. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

Called this morning to make sure they would honor their online coupon. Was told because I drive a 2002 Mercedes Benz E320 I must pay the full price. What joke. Total rip off. Go get your smog check done somewhere else. What he is doing is called profiling. What a scam! read more

My coupon didnt work here but very fast good service will continue to go here from now on !

I have been here three times. All three times I used an online coupon for a good discount. I was able to get in and out in 30 minutes or less and passed all three smog checks. The service was fast and I will keep coming here for sure! read more

I have been going to US Smog for years, going every year when one of my 2 vehicles requires inspection. I have never had an issue, and the staff has always been professional and courteous. Yesterday I took in my 2004 vehicle where I had the battery disconnected months ago. Having had an experience before that the inspection failed due to there being an issue with the counter not being reset after battery replacement, I knew that I had to drive the vehicle before coming in this time. I was able to put on 250 miles. I asked Martin, the technician, if that would be enough, and he said maybe. So, he went beyond and said let's put in on the computer and check the setting. He did, and said that it would pass, at least the setting that requires enough miles to pass the test. Martin, who I have seen many times before, is exceptional. I don't understand all of the complaints. Oh, and I did use a coupon as I have always and there was no issue, and no issue using a credit card either. I will continue to go to US Smog for all of my testing! read more

I found this place through yelp and saw 4 stars so took a chance. I supposed I should read the 1 stars reviews prior in the future. My first visit was a walk-in. The garage was empty and I saw a pricing table on the wall which showed hand written prices of $69 for most types of smog tests. I ask for a smog test and they begin by moving my car deep into the bay and I sit in a chair and wait. About 5 minutes into the smog check, the inspector (John Nguyen) shouts at me from my car "what is your address?". Confused I start yelling my address at him from 20 feet away, then he walks over and hands me a clip board then walks away saying "I can't do nothing without an address". I believe this business would benefit from standard operating procedures that involve collecting information from customers prior to working on the car, and if you want an address, you ask politely for an address as a request. I fill it out and then he continues with the test. He was dressed in street clothes, and the customer service felt like he was always looking away when talking to me. About 10 minutes in they say I don't pass visual inspection and am told to take my car to my automotive mechanic. I pay full price less the certificate, so $46.75. I am then told there is no free re-test and my next fee would be $31 + $8.25. I suppose it was my fault for not getting prices in writing in the beginning and figuring out details for retest. The last smog place I walked in allowed for a free re-test when I was missing a piece for my intake. As for the smog fail, turns out the person running the smog test also operates the muffler repair shop next door. I basically ask the same person a couple days later if he can replace my rear cat. He says it's not in stock and that I have to go to the dealer... I tried to speak to somebody else because I was getting very bad customer service and another individual was talking to me about catalytic converters until the owner interrupted our conversation and ultimately tells me to leave and call the state of California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). I end up passing smog but not at this location. There was zero incentive to come back to this place and give him money for a retest. I didn't think a smog station could score a 1 star until I went to this location. I suggest you focus on helping customers get back on the road, instead I was actually incentivized to go full electric for my next car. read more

I am a repeat customer of US Smog. Once again Service is fast and efficient. I went in about 230pm on a Tuesday afternoon. They said it would take about 25 minutes but I would say it took more like 15 minutes to complete. The attendant was courteous and friendly. Why mess around for something that works! read more

They advertise a coupon for $29.75 but one of the qualifications says it applies to "most cars" so they just tell you that your make of car doesn't apply. False advertising Avoid read more

I used to come here for years simply for the convenience of it being close to home. I should've have gotten the message after a few visits that I shouldn't come back as I've always had a nervous feeling coming in as it's just so dirty in the waiting room, handwritten prices covering original pricing on signage, and varying prices every time I came in. I recently had a smog emission sensor replaced and probably came in too early after the replacement as a couple of my other sensors were "not ready" which I take responsibility for as it didn't pass. What was unsavory was that I had a coupon for $29 which I showed them and yes larger vehicles will be charged additional and then we must pay for the certificate so in the end I paid $61 and was told I would pay $31 for a retest. The thing they already charged me the certificate fee even though I didn't pass. For my retest I ended up going elsewhere paying, $50 with certificate and the gentleman at the new place even did a pre-check so I didn't waste my time or money. US Smog will cheat you out of your time and money. read more

Super affordable, easy, conveniently located and they even pick up the phone! The lovely state of CA and their strict pollution laws told me I my trusty Honda Civic was due. Of course I asked my mechanic (aka father) and he recommended this shop. Always wanting to get the most for my moolah, I looked online for deals and found a nice coupon online coupon so I called to verify it's validity and the nice (Martine?) not only confirmed the coupon but also took down my name, car info and what would essentially be all that is necessary with an appointment - he assured me at 2pm on a Tuesday there would be no line and he was right. Just out of curiosity, I called a place a bit closer to my office and they were DOUBLE the price so that confirmed my dad's always right... Why do I still question that after all these years? Anywho, I got there just after 2pm and the guys welcomed me by name since I had called ahead - so nice! I handed over the DMV paperwork and filled out some info for their records as a mechanic pulled my car around to the back. I loved being able to see my car being worked on and inspected from the waiting room - the guys didn't even mind that it was a mess! ;) If your car is pretty stock - you should have no problems getting a smog here - BUT, if not, beware: my husband's 350Z has an aftermarket part (exhaust maybe?) that makes it annoying to get it to pass smog for some reason so he has had to go elsewhere since they wouldn't pass him here. Enjoy the affordable smog available 7 days a week and the friendly, fast service! I was in and out in maybe 10 minutes and will definitely be back in 2017! read more

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These guys are good. Did my smog check, in/out in 30 minutes. Gave me coupon credit even though I didn't have it with me. Highly recommend.

Very expensive and the manager Martin was rude and not helpful at all. You're better off going somewhere else. Also the hours posted here on Yelp are wrong. On Saturdays they close at 4pm not 6pm read more

Doesn't honor advertised smog prices that pull you in! When asked about it they just said "well that's wrong, I don't know I just work here!" BAIT AND SWITCH FOR SURE! Don't waste your time on this project lace, too many other options! read more

Been going here for a while. My last visit I found they changed their pricing structure. Not so great value anymore. I imagine it is due to COVID19. Businesses are trying to survive. You might be able to find a cheaper place but this place is still straight forward. read more

Very Rude service. Very unwelcoming and unapproachable. I will never go here in attempt to get a vehicle smog checked. It shows they close at 5:30pm but the guy says he's done at 4:45pm and leaving/will not smog a vehicle after 3pm. This makes no sense to me. After experiencing such vague info and negative attitude I went elsewhere. Bummer for them. They lost me as a customer and all the future times I need to do any of my company vehicles... bummer deal read more

I'm Back ! Awhile ago Stopped bringing my cars to this smog station only because the Tech was. a RUDE S.O.B. Now today I decided to give them another chance . Thank God the rude tech is GONE ! Now back to normal fast , friendly , and reasonably priced . Another plus is they are open on Sunday. read more

Stay Away! Went here thinking it would be a quick smog check. Not a star one, just regular for my 2003 SUV. The guy gave me a reasonable quote and said it would be 30mins. An hour later and I was told 5mins more, then 10mins... giving benefit of the doubt they're definitely understaffed like most places. Still, there are definitely better places. read more

I have been coming here for years and have dealt with Martin I came here today and no Martin I drove up and the Guy told me to park my car which I did Another person walked in after me and they took him first I have been a customer for 10 Years bringing 3 of my Cars and now I am going to find another place to do my cars After reading the below reviews I am glad I never just left my Car there People beware read more

Horrible customer service!! Walked in this guy was sitting down on his computer not doing anything never acknowledge the fact I was standing in front of him. Gets up and walks away!! read more

US Smog - Super Rude Guy!!! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I came for a smog check. Horacio quoted me $68 dollars and then he said he will take $10 off. My car failed because the on-board computer system was somehow "mysteriously" erased. I found out this can happen if someone unplugs the battery. However, I haven't unplugged the battery for years. Then Horacio tells me I need to drive for 60 miles and bring it back for a re-test. I had to pay $50 for the "failed" test and now he is going to charge $35 for the retest even though his ad says if you fail, the re-test is free. This mechanic is shady. You are better off avoiding this place. read more

Excellent service and reasonable price. They only have one bay so if you are in a hurry or if there's a long queue ahead of you, you may want to go elsewhere. Was in and out in about 40 min. on a somewhat busy day. Provided some chairs outside too, which is a plus during this pandemic. read more

This place reeks of a scam. If a check engine light guarantees a failure, why still go through with the check? Why not let your customer know they need to fix the light first and bring it back rather than just take their money blindly? Don't think I'll be back here ever. read more

Expensive and if you need to recheck they will charge you almost full price. My check keep failing and they said to keep driving and keep driving and keep driving. After a month of keep driving it. The smog still fails and I had to go get it checked out at Toyota dealer. They had to run it through a machine at a specific driving pattern. When I came back, they said the time I took was too long and made me paid full price. Stay away and go to another place that will check for free until pass for basically same price. Don't go here unless you like spending a lot of money. read more

Been here a couple times already when I need a smog test. I think the DMV has s deal with these places. Anyways, quick and fast service. There's usually a coupon they offer. Martine was friendly and I was in and out with in 13min!! You cannot beat that!! Great place for a Smog Test! read more

Down and dirty! Fast quick service! Smog all my cars here. Plus I can walk over to Starbucks and Subway while I wait.

So NOT take your business to US Smog Test Only or Master Auto next door. They work together to con people and rip us off! Unless....you don't mind if they take your car to another shop without your consent. And unless...you don't mind if shop employees show up at your house to demand payments for services that you didn't authorize. I took my car to US Smog Test Only and expected to get a quick smog test. I gave the guy my phone number and let him know that I would be next door having lunch. When I returned to get my car I was informed that he was unable to perform the smog test and walked me to another shop where the smog test was performed. I asked him why he didn't ask my permission before subletting my car. He claimed he "tried" to call. BS! I would have received the call, or if it was a missed call I would have received an email notification. The shop that my car was taken to was Master Auto Center, almost next door. This is not a test only station and I chose a test only station because I didn't want to take the risk of being up-sold. Immediately the new shop employee suggested a tune-up. Again I asked why my car was at his shop and asked him who authorized him to work on my car. He simply stated that it doesn't matter because he can do smog. He plopped the service agreement on the counter and asked me to sign it. I didn't sign it and I left. I don't understand why these 2 shops think its okay to bait and switch customers. My thinking was that they thought I would have just rolled over and paid for whatever they suggested. I wouldn't be surprised if I found out that they are working together to rip people off. This is a highly suspicious situation. Then a few days later I had a not on my door from Master Auto threatening to call the cops. I informed Karim, the employee at Master Auto, that what they did was illegal and told him to call the cops if he'd like to. How dare Karim think that it's okay to show up at someone's house demanding payment for services that were not authorized? I'm reporting both companies to the bureau of automotive repair. According to the BAR, it is illegal for smog test stations to sublet services. It is also illegal for auto repair shops to sublet services without owner's written consent. DO NOT USE EITHER COMPANY! Something smells fishy. read more

I only came here because this spot was cheap. I won't be making the same mistake again. First off, everyone who worked here spoke very broken English. This wouldn't be such an issue if my truck had passed with flying colors. But it did not. Instead, thanks to CA's constant change in emissions regulations, there is a VERY stupid new rule on the books that states any after-market catalytic converter on your vehicle must have a serial number that matches one listed in the system. What this meant for me is that even though all three catalytic converters on my truck were perfectly good, one was an after-market part with a non-matching serial number. Translation: I had to buy a brand-new part just so the numbers matched. Dumb, right? Getting this info out of the guy at the counter was easy enough; understanding it was the hard part. Even worse, he charged me for the test despite knowing I wasn't going to pass, then offered to retest me for, like, $5 less than the first go-round. I spoke to guys at other smog stations and they all said they'd have helped me out a lot more than this guy did. Next time I'll pay the higher fee and go somewhere they want to build customer relationships. read more

Honest dudes! And at a car place, no less! I went in for a smog check here and my car's "check engine" light has been on for several months which, as I recently learned, is an automatic fail! The dudes here were honest and came over to me once they noticed the light (right after the dude got in the car to drive it into the shop). The guy informed me that this would mean an automatic fail on the test, no matter how the car does on the actual emissions tests. He then asked me if I wanted to go on with the test or not. Totally honest! I can imagine A LOT of other places NOT telling you that and charging you the test fee even though they know your car's not gonna pass! Not giving you that option to try to figure out why the light is on BEFORE you pay for the smog test. I totally appreciated that these guys gave me the straight info and let me decide. I decided to go ahead and get it tested so that they could at least tell me what could be the source of the problem. The test took about 20 mins and I was on my way out a few minutes after that! Pros: Honest, quick, location is close to coffee/food options, reasonable price (under $50) Cons: Only two chairs for "waiting area," close proximity to other auto places means that you might get aggressively solicited at by other shops on your way into this place. read more

Our Lucky Day! No wait, in and out in 15 mins. $61 for a SUV includes ALL fees and even better a $10 off coupon found on their website. Hassel free and professional employee. I'm sure we will use them again. read more

QUICK, EASY AND FRIENDLY! The guy I dealt with was great. Sadly I forgot his name, I think it starts w/ an M, Martin maybe. I called ahead to see if they had an opening for a smog check, the guy told me to head on over. When I pulled in, he said - hey you made and greeted me with a smile. I had visited their website and printed a coupon stupidly I managed to print the $5 off oil change. He agreed to honor the $10 off smog check that I had meant to print. He even laughed and blamed it on it being a Monday. I gave him my keys and walked to lunch at the Fuji Grill that's in the same parking lot. By the time I finished my lunch and walked back my car was outside waiting for me. I paid and was on my way. I'll probably stop by next time I'm due for an oil change. read more

Called Saturday morning to bring in my boyfriends car for a quick smog check. He said bring it by and he would have me out in 10 min. I pulled up 15 min later and after 10 min and $41 his 2010 Nissan Sentra was passed and I was on my way. Martin (?) was friendly and helpful, great experience! read more

Guess coupons are up to discretion. Found the 30 dollar coupon and called before to make sure they would honor it. My car is a 2001 Porsche and because the engine is in the back they want to charge me 88 instead of 30 bucks. It's not just me though my girl got hassled by the same person for a 2011 Subaru (motor in the front lol). Just your typical smog scam shop avoid at all costs. read more