Smog Check Express

I came by here last week and was immediately greeted across the parking lot. I handed my papers and keys, which was immediately scanned and handled, while the other guy showed me the waiting room and some DMV papers to fill out. The estimates were given out, everything was clearly explained, and voila! A few minutes later, I was done. Quick and painless.

Pros: Proficient, fast

Cons: None so far

I heard and read so many good things about this place, but it is a bit far from where I live. Thankfully smogging your car is done infrequently so it is definitely worth driving to a good place you can trust.

Pros: Whatever everyone says is true!

Cons: I live in Orinda (a bit far)

Mechanics are notoriously shady, so I am glad to have found this one a few years ago, and I have been a loyal customer ever since. No frills, no B.S, they are extremely honest and upfront with you. I have 3 cars, so I come here often, and my experience has been superb each time.

I already blogged about their sister location in Berkeley, but let me have a separate comment here... sometimes small businesses can vary widely between branches because of the different technicians/manager/rep, or whoever working at each location. But here this little chain seems to have hired some of the best people, or have standardized their operations well, I did not feel the difference in quality or service.

They did go an extra mile for us (pun intended), so our car did not pass the first time, and Ed was there to explain everything and what we should do about it. Our car was old, but it has sentimental value, so we'd like to fix it as much as possible. Needless to say, we got it fixed, re-smogged, and it passed! But we appreciate the handholding, so many thanks.