(Serviced 11/18/16 F @ 8:30am): A true testament to a thriving small local business located in my self-proclaimed "hipsterhood"!
Thanks to the trusty Yelp app, a friend recently had her car smogged at Smog One Test Only and highly-recommended that I did the same for my parent's car in order to renew its registration. Recently, my go-to smog test place inexplicably shut down, so I needed to find another. With a 5-star rating (280 reviews at the time), I was more than happy to support a small local business conveniently close to me. After, my own "test drive" of this place, would I return for future smoggy business!?:
Standard Smog Check ($60.00 less $10.00 with Yelp Check-in) - Usually requred every two years, this was the most frequent and simplest of inspections. FYI... they also offered STAR Certified Smog Checks if a more rigorous inspection was necessary (usually for older vehicles and those which have had issues in the past).
Service - I had no appointment, simply drove up, stated what I needed, and had my Yelp Check-in offer displayed on my phone. Manny, the one-person shop owner enthusiastically greeted me, took my keys, and asked that I stayed at the outdoor waiting area which was basically a round metal schoolyard table with an umbrella. In less than five minutes, my car passed inspection, test results electronically submitted to the DMV, I quickly paid, I was good for another two years, and all I needed to do was just pay the registration fee on my end. Easy peasy.
Parking (Free) - Three automotive businesses were housed in a tight corner block which all shared only a handful of spots. So, if any of these businesses got real busy, parking would be an issue. However, there appeared to be some nearby metered and timed sign-posted street parking along the main drag of Hyperion Ave. and surrounding side streets.
Atmosphere, décor, ambience - Located inside the Hyperion Auto Plaza at the corner of Hyperion Ave. and Tracy St. with a sign that caught your attention https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YjQctVLFn8xMpr21Vf_RWw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, this simple one-car one-lift garage storefront was tucked away alongside a cinderblock wall with a tiny office, and all the necessary equipment and tools. Various framed certifications and awards hung on the office wall to reassure all customers while the rest of the walls were kept clear from clutter. Plenty of natural lighting entered when the silver metal door was opened; otherwise, fluorescent electric ceiling lights covered it all. There were no TVs or background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=p-xMxXnSRDm0cDQSua1vgA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Attire - Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
Overall, I tried to support small local businesses whenever I could and Smog One Test Only was a perfect example of how well Yelp helped (and of course, in some cases hurt) me in this search. Sure, you might've found cheaper prices elsewhere, but at the end of the day, Manny and his shop provded me everything I needed, and I planned to tell others about him...and his excellent customer service. I found exceptionally good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $50.00; NO tip required). Although they accepted credit cards, not mine of choice...AMEX! 4.5 STARS read more