TRUST THOSE WHO YELP REGULARLY... I asked friends for recommendations to smog shops in the area, and got several great suggestions. Not only was Smog Central recommended by a reliable source, the attendant was nice, confident, and knowledgeable. He was doing the smog test, he was the cashier, and he had all the info to immediately answer my questions. Smog Central has THE best prices around (most shops were $60-$80 for my small SUV). YELP coupon when you check in too Highly Recommended read more

I came in for a smog check today because I had a coupon advertising a price of $31.75. Nowhere on the coupon did it say that certain vehicle types were excluded, so I expected that price when I arrived. However, when I brought in my Toyota C-HR, which is a small crossover/SUV, I was told the coupon did not apply to my vehicle and I was charged $41.75 instead (plus the $8.25 certificate fee). This was confusing because the coupon did not clearly state that crossover or SUV-type vehicles were excluded from the discounted price. The smog check itself was completed quickly, but the pricing felt unclear and a bit misleading. It would really help customers if the coupon listed all exclusions upfront so people know what to expect before coming in. Overall, the service was okay, but the coupon terms should be explained much more clearly. read more

Smog Central Station - Smog check coupon at Smog Central Station in San Marcos. - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Marcos, California

Do not use this business !!!! they will rip you off. They charged my step mom who is 88 years old $55 for a smog check that was already completed. They did not check to see if it was completed and said that its not there job. This place should not be in business. YOU WILL GET RIPPED OFF !! read more

Brought my car in for a smog check. There was a check engine light on which they should have told me needed to be fixed before I had the check. My car didn't pass and I had to pay a lot of money for a 5 Minute fix on my check engine light. Then I had to pay again for my second smog check. Won't ever come back. read more

I went in w/ my $31.75 coupon & showed the Man handling the paperwork @ checkin. He saw it & said show me later. I showed him again later @ checkout & he said I needed to show him b4 invoice was created . I told him I showed him earlier & what he said about coming back later. He said well I'll honor what I said I'd honor. Then he says," you didnt pass anyway so..." like he took joy in telling me that . So basically he end up charging me $52.27 & gave me 9.00 off for the coupon. A total of $ 43.27 I paid. Not the coupon charge of 31.75 plus a small percentage for using a credit card. Not $11 worth. But by that point I was done engaging with him. And then to add insult to injury he actually said , "We'll see you after you get your car fixed. Most people have a trusted car repair person "... I'm thinking , ohhh yea sure, like YOU?! No thanks read more

Been coming her for 15 YEARS. I've recommended them to countless people. Have always been happy until today. When I went to check out I told him that I had a coupon, which I've done every single time I've come here. He said he already checked me out and couldn't apply the coupon. And then proceeded to admonish me and say that's why he had me sign the paperwork before the smog check. And then acted like he did me a favor by giving me $5.00 off for being repeat customer. This is a scam. He knew I was a repeat customer and didn't mention a coupon in advance. This is sketchy business practices. So instead of paying $31.75 I paid almost $20 more. There are so many smog check options and not only will I find a new place to go I encourage everyone to go somewhere else. This saddens me because I've had a 15 year relationship with this Station and until today was very happy. read more

DO NOT COME HERE!!!!! I had a highly unprofessional and disrespectful employee named Joe. I work on cars for a living and can tell this guy is a joke! Literally go anywhere else for your smog! Whomever is the manager here at smog central station I'm talking to you, do better picking your staff! read more

Not friendly Litterally seemed like they dont care and dont want to be at their job Failed my car with no explanation just an attitude Feel like they fail cars just to try and repair something My bad luck my normal smog shop was closed Waste of $60 read more

This is the second year coming here. Super fast service, take about 10 to 15 min. I have 2 cars, the 2014 Toyota prius costs $40 and the Toyota Corolla 2010 costs $44. I am Asian so not smiling is normal and not considering rude. My cars have no problem passing smock check. If it does has problem, I will just take it to an Asian shop. :) read more

I came in with the coupon from their website. $31.75 + $8.25 certificate for a total of $40. Then the guy at the counter says that for SUVs, it's $10 extra. I asked why is it extra, the coupon says that it the price is good for all vehicles from small cars to light trucks. Does an SUV not count as a light truck? He then says something like "well, the coupon says what it applies to, not what it does not apply to". What a bunch of bullshit. The coupon says 96-99 add $10 and 95 & older add $15. Nowhere does it say anything about SUVs. I then told him that if it's extra for an SUV, it needs to state that on the coupon. Bait-and-switch tactics, my friends. I walked out. read more

Decent pricing. Limited parking. I had to wait in line three times. The first time I was told to move my car, as it was double parked bc there were no open spots. When I came back in, a different older guy was sitting at a desk. He got up and immediately told me, very rudely, to sit down, this other lady had been waiting much longer. There was a lady sitting in the corner of their "waiting room". She'd been sitting there the past ten minutes, as other people waited in line. Somehow he acted like I'd cut in front of her? When I finally was summoned, I gave the guy the coupon I'd printed and he proceeded to laugh at me for printing it out. I pointed out that I did that as a courtesy for him. He then commented how I was wasting so much printer ink... he brought me the paperwork and asked where the key was; I said "in my pocket" as I reached to get it. His reply: "Well it's going to take a lot longer without it." ?? Guy has passive aggressive quips about everything. I waited inside for a little, then outside, and eventually found out the state system was down, so they couldn't process the test, but they expect it up within the hour. The guy I dealt with for this part was nicer than the other dude. Well, my car ran burning gas for two hours. After 2.5 hours, I had to cut my losses and leave. My rating isn't due to the system being down. It's due to the crazy attitude of the dude that "helped" me with my paperwork. He was needlessly rude and passive aggressive. There's enough bs going on in the world right now without creating more for your perfectly respectful, paying customers. read more

Been coming here for years. I believe in repeat business but today I felt I was being charged more than before. Called around and got it $50 cheaper at all autos smog. $50.00 out the door for a F350 where this place was charging $100.00. read more

I had a great experience getting my smog check done here. The service was fast and the staff was friendly and helpful. Nick made the process quick and easy. Highly recommend! read more

Not sure about all of the bad reviews, but I can speak for my own experience coming here to have my vehicles smog checked for over ten years. Not once had even a hint of a problem with them. Every time my coupon has been honored, and they are fast and efficient. I will continue to go to Smog Central as long as I live in San Marcos. Thank you for all of the years of great service. read more

I have never had a person at a place of business be so rude to me. The guy wouldn't take my coupon which is fine I guess but the attitude he gave me about it was unbelievable. I was referred by my brother. There are a ton of smog places in the area, several that I saw were less money. I won't be going back,. That was just weird. read more

Nick and Joe did the brakes on my wife's vehicle, parts and labor were really fair. Asked for what they recommend and were honest, not trying to up-sale me on what was not necessary. Was amazed to come back and my wife's front seats cleaned too! No more seat stains, free of charge. That was really nice of them. Definitely coming back, excellent quality service and friendly! Highly recommend read more

Smog Central Station - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Marcos, California

Horrible customer service. Walked in, and asked for a smog check and he responds with "ok.., get your paper work". At that point I'm already kind of bother because he doesn't even say Hello. I grab my paper work and come back to hear him say "mileage?" I respond with the mileage. He then says, "ID!". I replied saying " I don't have it on my at the moment, but I have a picture of it would that work?". He says "okay, good bye then." Smog Central Station clearly doesn't get about getting any new customers. I mean, how hard is it to politely greet someone? Smh. read more

Guy gives attitude when presented with coupon also when there is something little wrong with car he acts like he doesn't know what it is he told me my car isn't ready then when I go to another shop they told me I need to complete a readiness test for car which is a lot more helpful you would think someone in the industry would know that read more

Second time using these guys and THEY ARE GREAT! Super easy scheduling, or I think you can just show up for a smog...Smooth, nice, fast, and affordable...I don't t know what else I can say, A++++¥ Use them, u won't be disappointed:) And thanx to the Station! read more

I've been to Smog Central Station for the last three smogs (over six years). They are reliable, take reservations, get the job done, and don't try to upsell with useless work. Their price is fair. I would highly recommend them. I've read other reviews that criticize their customer service/people skills. Never had that problem. They are courteous and don't waste my time. I appreciate them! Thank you! read more

Thieves. If I could leave negative 5 stars I would. My husband bought a new car(to him) and wasn't sure the laws As it was an SUV purchased out of state. He asked the attendant what stickers needed to be displayed showing him what he had. The man said he would let my husband know. Next thing he comes to my husband saying he failed because he didn't have the right carb sticker displayed. They are thieves! Avoid! Avoid! Avoid! No morals. read more

Smog Central Station - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Marcos, California

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What a crook!!! Zero customer service or personality. Pulled my vehicle in and took off on his bike for a few minutes, came back and told me it failed and my catalytic converter was tampered with. I'm the original owner! Went down the street and got a pass within the hour. WHAT A JOKE SCAM OPERATION!!!!! PLEASE DO NOT ENTERTAIN THESE PEOPLE!! 1 star is only because I can't leave a NEGATIVE 5 Stars!! read more

Don't know what everyone else is talking about but I get good service here for smog. I've been coming here for a while now since it's near me. It's the same guy that's helped me before. He's fast and he just takes no shit. Better have your stuff ready when you get there. Lol read more

they will lie and charge full price when u asked for the coupon price. they make you pay it and pretend you never asked. fuck these people . they are liars . worst place ever. save yoursrlf and warn others not to come here!!! read more

Smog Central Station - DO NOT COME HERE. THEY ARE COOKED LIARS. THE OLD CROTCHETY OWNER IS AN ASSHOLE!! - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Nick at the front desk is extremely rude and dishonest. Literally just gave them 40 dollars in about 10 minutes not to pass and now they want me to come back with a sticker on my Intake which nick agreed that my intake is California legal smog approved but asked me to come back with the sticker and this time it's only gonna cost and extra 28 dollars. The point being Nick knew I wasn't going to pass as soon as he opened the hood which took all of 10 seconds to do. They're was no reason for them to run my truck if it was not going to pass just to be able to double charge me. I can't believe they actually run they're business this way. read more

Condescending attitude at the front desk. I wasn't sure what things I needed and he wasn't interested in helping me. Tone of his voice and the way he looked at me made me feel so stupid. Told him I would go somewhere else. High Tech Auto right down the street was super helpful and courteous. Answered my questions and I was able to get my smog done quick. read more

Pulled up to get a smog, younger dude had a stink face like he just smelled a fart or something. Had an attitude about where I was parked ( it was the only spot open in front of his shop). It's like he was to good for my money. Needless to say if your reading this grab your shit and head over to High tech auto off Grand, Mat will take care of you. I don't give many bad reviews, but man his attitude was deserving of a warning sign... read more

Horrible service and arrogant behavior, on their website they say that no appointment needed but when call, they ask to make an appointment and they also offer coupons that they not even want to honor plus when get there on time for the appointment the guys are eating and treat with disdain and would start giving orders to park at their ridiculously tiny parking spots and would try to charge twice as much then expected. read more

Quick service was the reason for the 2 star. Would of been a lot higher. The guy at the front had a really bad attitude. Also if you want to use their online coupon be sure to bring that up at the beginning. Will not recommend this place or return. read more

I've never had anything but amazing service from smog central! Walking up to the building the shop dog mongo came to greet me and is always super sweet! Nick, the guy at the front let me know exactly what I needed to have for my smog and took care of my car quickly! This shop is definitely the only one I'll ever go to if I need a smog! Best service around! I've recommend them to all my friends! read more

Came here for a DMV star smog test. I came right when they opened at 8AM and was out of there by 8:30. Very fast and to the point. Good place if you're looking for a quick smog test. read more

This is one of those reviews where 1 star is too many and I should have read the past reviews first. Prior to testing asked Nick about a questionable part and he advised replacing it, which I did with a factory OEM Nissan part so there would be no question. On return he took the $50 and still failed the test for the very part as he miss identified it. I showed him the receipt for the part and a picture of the part on the Nissan diagram and can prove it is factory, "sorry that's not it and please leave as I have another customer". Wow! Told me I could complain to the owner who was not there (he is the owner with his dad, Joe) or complain to BAR. Anyway, went elsewhere, got great service, paid less AND passed no problem. I'm very fair and before leaving this review I called and left a message for Joe allowing 48 hours for a call back, but nothing, apparently no concern. There are many many Yelp 5* stations that value your business within a mile of this place. For me it's live and learn. read more

Joe has the Ford mechanical knowledge I've been looking for the past two years for my '71 F250. Great work and prices. read more

Smog Central Station - Rates - Smog Check Stations Near Me - San Marcos, California

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I needed a smog check to renew my registration so I called and told them what kind of car I had and they were able to get me in right away. They instructed me to print out their coupon which stated the cost is $31.75 plus $8.25 for the certificate: $40 dollars total. When I arrived, they told me "for your car it will be $59!" I don't know why they didn't tell me this on the phone and why they had me print out their coupon and come all the way down to their shop. I went somewhere else and got it done cheaper. read more

Smog Central Station promptly did the smog testing on my LR4 (Landrover SUV) and said that it failed due to the oxygen sensor. The young man informed me they could fix it but not till the following week since their shop was booked up (actually the customer in front of me also failed the smog test and he had scheduled his car for repair there). I told him I had a good mechanic and would take care of the problem and come back... he indicated there would be an additional charge above the certificate transmission once I came back to complete the process. That sort-of sounded reasonable. I then went to Johnny's Auto Center (very trustworthy place) and Johnny said there was no problem w my O2 sensor. He showed me the scanner demonstrating all the on-board drive cycles were completed by the readiness tester... including oxygen. That only took him a moment and he said: no charge. Well, knowing that there must be a problem with Smog Central's equipment/instrumentation, then to avoid any more issues, I decided to have a place nearby Johnny's do the smog testing. That place (Smog Depot#1) gave me a large discount since he saw the paperwork and he knew of Johnny and his result (also, he had no other customers at the time). Job completed and I was done with this task. BUT, since Smog Central was sort-of on my drive home, then I thought I'd inform them of their faulty equipment. On speaking to the gentleman at the desk he became defensive and said they didn't do any scanning there and that it was the State that provided the read-out, not them? What? Then he said that my oxygen sensor must have been on the edge and that driving it to the other shop "gave" it enough O2 to register as Passing. Well, I generally consider myself intelligent (I'm a PhD Research Scientist) but unfortunately couldn't make sense of what the man was saying. Anyway, thought I'd pen this in Yelp so that others may judge whether to go to this location or perhaps try out Matt at Smog Depot#1. I know I'll avoid Smog Central Station since either their equipment is faulty or they purposefully lied. read more

Terrible customer service. Joe, the man working payment center very rude and condescending.

This company is a bunch of crooks. I brought my car in here to get it smog checked and it didn't pass because of a bad o2 sensor, they charged me the full price but said to bring it back when it was fixed and they would apply that fee to my certificate. Then all hell breaks loose with COVID-19 and I am called up as a reservist and I am gone for a few months. When I am finally home and trying to get the car checked they now tell me that there is a 30 day limit to applying the fees I already paid them. This was not disclosed when I paid the first time. I am dumbfounded that a company would treat customers like this, much less one that was called away to serve. It is a shame the kid Nick, who was working, was more worried about working on his bike than helping customers. Save your time and take your business to a conpany that doesn't treat you like you owe them business. read more

Caution: this is not a reputable business. Has been reported to the "California Department of Consumer Affairs - Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)" for falsifying Smog Check Vehicle Inspection Reports (VIR). read more

I have been using this place for smog test for many years, and never had a problem. My dad's car didn't pass once and they did the re-test for free. My son took his 2006 highlander there last week when the check engine light was on due to a bad gas cap. The guy who did the smog test didn't say anything about the light being on, and it failed. We took it to our mechanic who said if they were honest they would have told us it would fail due to the light and not have even tried the smog test. We got a new gas cap and now they want us to pay another $20 for a re-test. I think the owners son took over and now I will never go back there! read more

If you are in the San Marcos / Carlsbad area and you need the smog check, then print out the coupon and go here. I barely waited on a Friday afternoon and then when it was time to do it, it was done really quick. Be aware that if you have an SUV, it will be 50 bucks not 40, but who cares....it was so quick and the dudes were cool, so I figured I would give them a good review. I went by Garretts which is down the street to see what it would cost there even though they never picked up the phone the two times I tried calling and when I got there, I was rudely greeted by some dingy looking guy who told me that there is no smog check today - the guy isn't there....well, glad I found Smog Central Station. Garretts looked like a dump anyhow. read more