California Smog & Repair

I've taken my car to California Auto Repair for oil changes and a smog test in the past but it wasn't until my most recent visit that I thought about going there for auto repair. I'm so happy I finally did!!

I had been going to an auto repair garage near my apartment for years but after several unpleasant situations and paying ridiculously high prices for repairs that often did not fix the problems, I knew I had to find another garage.

When I took my car in for an oil change at California Auto Repair I spoke with Adam and explained my frustration and what I had been dealing with trying to figure out what was causing my Check Engine light to go on. He didn't try to sell his services but instead offered some advice, free useful advice about dealing with auto repair garages. He then told me I could drop off my car and he would take a look at it and quote the cost of repair at no charge. A few days later I decided to take him up on his offer and when he called with a quote, I accepted it because it was much less than what my previous garage had quoted me for the exact same repair.

Here's the best part. Unlike the auto technician at my previous garage who cleaned out a line, charged me $100, told me if the light went on again (which it did) I would have to bring it in again so he could replace parts and then quoted me what it would cost if that did happen...... Adam called me, explained what he believed was the problem, quoted a cost for repair, ordered the parts, made the repair, but then instead of just taking my money and sending me on my way, he wanted to make sure the repair would resolve the issue so he asked me to only pay a portion of my bill and then drive my car for a couple weeks. He said if my car was running well and the light didn't go on again to THEN pay him the remaining balance but if the repair didn't fix the problem, he wouldn't charge me the remaining balance and would look into possible issues if I wanted him to. This is something the technicians at the garage I had been going to for the last 8 years had NEVER done.

In addition to his extensive car repair knowledge and skills, Adam is very personable and really does care about customer service. It was such a refreshing change from what I've experienced with other auto technicians in the past. I finally found an auto repair garage I truly feel I can trust.

Went there last year and was pleasantly surprised by the service. I was there in the afternoon and it took about 30min if I recall well.
As of today they charge $78.20 for a smog.

This Car Repair and Star Smog Test Station at 443 Divisadero Street at Fell Street is excellent for car repairs and smog checks.The business is now called THE CALIFORNIA STAR TEST AND REPAIR. Antonio, who owns the garage, has been at this location for a long time and he is honest and knowledgeable about cars. I have an older BMW and he does a great job with repairs, and his price for repairs and a smog check is fair.

Paid $69 for 1998 and older smog check. Antonio completed it in about 20 minutes. I brought my car in about 7:30am and he started the check at opening at 8am. I felt very comfortable taking it to him. He says he also does the pre1998 smog checks as well.

I came by for a smog check and they were able to get me in and out in 20 minutes not too bad! I came mid week around 11 am.

Highly recommend -- easy, efficient & welcoming. Stopped by about 10:20 am on a Tuesday morning. Antonio was able to do the smog test right away & took about 20 minutes. He saw me standing by the gas station (rather than go for coffee) & brought me a chair to sit on.

While getting my car registered at the DMV down the street I needed to get a smog. Drove right over to this place and I was done probably within 30 minutes. $68 all in for an SUV.

First come first serve. Quick and prompt service over my old toyota2000. Antonio,the mechanic was very nice. I will come back in two years.

My first time here , called on a Saturday , and was told just drop in , less than 30 minutes Antoño was done with the Smog Check .
Great experience, plenty nice coffee shops along Divisadero to grab a coffee while waiting for your car .
I would recommend this place .

Just when the last thing you want to do is have to get a smog check before your car can be registered, well you know.  

So I went to this place and my car failed!!  But the guy who did the test told me not to panic.  What I needed to do was to get the gunk out of my exhaust system and catalytic converter by taking the car out for a long drive.  

After a fast round trip to Santa Rosa I returned here and my car passed.

The man who does the testing is honest and you cannot ask for more than that.  Especially with all the crap going around in our country these days

I went by today for a smog check. The technician was courteous and efficient, and gave me a $10 discount for mentioning Yelp. The entire process took less than an hour ( there was one car ahead of me), and they immediately emailed the smog certificate to DMV.