1. Smog Specialist

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San Diego, CA

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Smog Specialist

4.5 (31 reviews)
Open • 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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Ashley D.

I have been bringing my cars here for the last 6 years and have no complaints. The gentlemen that runs the place keeps the prices low and you do not need to go searching for coupons. They have two docks to test cars to they try to keep the lines moving as fast as possible, because at times the place gets packed. It's definitely worth sticking around and getting your smog done here because as I stated the prices are good but the service is great. The gentlemen are very friendly and informative. My son even had fun while waiting because the owner was playing with him. If there any any issues they will bring them to your attention and say what the problem could be. I won't be looking for anywhere else to get a smog done any time soon.

I'm no longer "riding dirty!" smog check- PASS!
Joy F.

Great small business, I trust Smog Specialist with my inspections! They are busy on Saturdays but always available Mon-Fri starting at 8am. I was having trouble getting my SMOG to pass on my 2000 Izusu Rodeo. Once I got the work completed, I took it back to Smog Specialist and he was nice enough to run it twice since it failed the first time (my car was really cold!) I trust Smog Specialist with my vehicle and will continue to use him in the future.

Spencer H.

Fine a quick smog check. It was $40 for my 02 accord. It was probably under 15 minutes for the check. The guy doesn't really speak English but can say basic stuff, it's not the best service but it's quick.

Busy shop on a Saturday morning.

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3 months ago

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2 years ago

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

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10 years ago

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3 years ago

The gentleman was very kind and only charged $50 for the smog check. It was done quickly, in like 15 mins

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3 years ago

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14 years ago

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8 years ago

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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12 years ago

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

So quick and easy. Pulled right in, took 15 minutes. $40 even. Never going anywhere else!

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7 years ago

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10 years ago

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

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17 years ago

This test-only smog check station is fast, friendly and cheap.

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13 years ago

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14 years ago

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10 years ago

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11 years ago

Trust is hard to find in the automotive business now a days. I will always bring my cars to Lam ( the owner ). Great place A +

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9 years ago

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13 years ago

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9 years ago

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10 years ago

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13 years ago

Great smog shop. Use him every time and recommend my friends and family here. Very nice guy and gets cars in and out quick.

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Review Highlights - Smog Specialist

“Needed to find a STAR smog station and the convenient location of El Cajon and Highland, plus the place was clean, lots of parking and very inviting.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Brake Stop & Auto Repair

Brake Stop & Auto Repair

(227 reviews)

Middletown, Mission Hills

HUGE shoutout to brake stop- I called at 1 pm needing all new rotors and pads, brake fluid and he…read morehad my car ready by 4. Pricing was fair given scope of work and my new brakes work great. Totally will recommend others to go here, thank you guys!

A 1 month, 1200$ radiator job could have killed me and child. I would be very concerned about…read moresafety of repair and do a very detailed inspection before accepting the vehicle or just avoid this shop. 7/21/26: I brought my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee to Brake Stop for a radiator replacement. * 7/24/26: I picked up the Jeep after the repair. (1200 for radiator and hoses) * Shortly afterward: While driving, the hood unexpectedly opened, damaging the hood and shattering the windshield and almost causing wreck on freeway. * I had the vehicle independently inspected for approximately $200 after the shop initially denied responsibility. The inspection found many loose peaces of hardware relating to the radiator repair and the hood latch had been left loose. * After further discussion and inspection, Brake Stop accepted responsibility for the hood failure and agreed to repair the resulting damage. * The Jeep remained at the shop for nearly three weeks while the repairs were completed. Communication during this period was frustratingly limited, with me generally having to call for updates. * 8/27/26: I picked up the Jeep. The hood, windshield, hood struts and hood release cable had been repaired/replaced at no cost to me, and reluctantly reimbursed my $200 inspection expense. Did not offer refund for botched repairs Ultimately, I appreciate that the owner took responsibility and made the vehicle right. However, the original incident was extremely stressful and could have been dangerous, and I was disappointed that the vehicle was released after the radiator repair with the hood latch apparently not properly secured.

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Thao Auto Repair

(250 reviews)

Normal Heights

Came in to get my car's AC fixed and had a great experience from dropping the car off to picking it…read moreup. I received and honest diagnosis and reasonable price of the repair and the service was prompt. I will absolutely be taking my vehicle here for future needs.

It's unfortunate because I really wanted to give this place a try, it would've been convenient for…read moreus since we manage multiple vehicles, and I was hoping to build a solid business relationship. On 4/14 I brought in an Escalade after replacing the rear brakes because it started throwing multiple warning lights, even though the ABS sensor and brakes were already replaced. I understand newer vehicle technology can sometimes cause glitches even with simple repairs, so I trusted they'd be able to diagnose and fix it. They charged a $130 diagnostic fee, which I was completely fine with. The next day, they said they needed to reset the computer for $390. Since I had already paid for the diagnostic and was told it would go toward the repair, I agreed. The following day, I was told they couldn't reset it and that I'd need a new module for $3,468.54. I declined and decided to get a second opinion from our regular mechanic. I still paid the $390 plus a $13.65 service charge, which I later found out was a credit card fee. The next day, I took the vehicle to our regular mechanic. Within 2 hours, they cleared the stored codes and the vehicle was ready, total cost: $120. No waiting days, no module replacement, and no unnecessary upsell. I waited a couple of weeks before writing this review to make sure the issue didn't come back, and also spoke with Barry to see if anything could be done about the $403.65 I paid. I felt it was unfair to be charged for a service that ultimately wasn't completed. I would've been completely fine just paying the $130 diagnostic fee. Unfortunately, he declined, stating the charge was for their time. I understand time was spent, but from a business standpoint, I wouldn't feel right charging a client for a repair that wasn't successfully completed, especially when the vehicle left in the same condition it arrived. Because of this experience, I wouldn't return or recommend this shop to others. I think it's important for people to know that you may end up paying for work that doesn't actually resolve the issue.

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Highly recommend for road trip prep!…read more This is an amazing place to get your vehicle inspected before a long road trip. I booked online, noted my concerns in the text box, and dropped my car off the next day. After checking in at the office, I walked Joey through my concerns and opted for a Post-Purchase Inspection. Joey sent over the findings quickly and gave me his honest, upfront opinion on what needed immediate attention before my trip versus what maintenance could wait until I reached my destination. He also provided a clear copy of the inspection quotes so there were no surprises. In the end, they completed the full inspection, replaced the car battery, and fixed a coolant leak for around $550+ (including taxes). I definitely recommend this shop! Pro-tip: Try to get there early in the day, as on-site parking and road traffic can get a bit hectic later on.

Bottom Line Upfront: Miramar Auto Repair is one of the best values of any auto shop in San Diego…read more Jason and Pedro were exceptional in taking care of me, and finding a solution to a very technical challenge. I brought in my Honda Ridgeline for an issue with my AC. Jason worked with me at the front-desk and went above and beyond to understand my issue and the troubleshooting I had already done. He explained to me CONCISELY what the feasible issue may be, and how they were going to approach a diagnosis. Jason was extremely knowledgeable, and followed up promptly to discuss the fix. Pedro was also exceptional. He found the issue (rodent-chewed wires) and repaired it perfectly. When I picked up my car, he was as excited as I was to have helped me. Before Miramar Auto, I took my truck to the Honda dealer, and they charged twice as much for a diagnosis, only to tell me that I would need a new compressor (incorrect diagnosis) and that it would cost twice as much as I ended up paying out the door at Miramar auto. I couldn't believe how easy Miramar Auto made it. To say that Jason, Pedro, and Miramar Auto are honest, fair, and made me feel taken care of... would be an understatement. They have rightfully earned another lifelong customer. Thank you Miramar Auto!

Smog Specialist - smog_check_stations - Updated October 2026

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