M and M Reseda Test Only

Went yesterday for smog. I hate getting smog done ! I printed the online coupon then called to verify the price because all stations quote for the smog check and then charge for the certificate. (The price is higher on some years because California added an evap test.) My 97 compact car was $ 35 cash price. Earlier cars are $ 15 more. I showed up and was out the door 15 minutes later for $ 35. To make the experience more pleasant I wandered across the street to Reseda bicycles while I waited. This was actually the most pleasant smog check ever.

This is the old time «bait and switch» scam. I had the coupon from the website, and yes, it clearly states that they charge an extra $ 10 for trucks. No problem — that’s typical. But then they tried to charge me more!
When I drove up, there were 3 guys standing by the car bay. When I walked up and showed him my coupon, he tried to tell me it would be $ 45. I pointed out that the coupon was for $ 24.75, plus $ 10 for the truck, which would make it $ 34.75. He spoke very fast and rattled off fees, including the DMV fee. I slowed him down, clarified the facts, and he said yes, it was the coupon price, plus the $ 10 plus the DMV fee. I gave him my paperwork and keys and went to the reception/​office he directed me to.
He came in with a clip board with a form for me to fill out and sign, and the price on it was $ 45! He had the breakdown of fees listed for $ 26.75 coupon. plus $ 10, plus $ 8.95 DMV, which was the wrong coupon price, and bad math. I corrected the numbers and signed the form. After my truck passed (thank goodness) he directed me into the bay where they actually do the test and he was at a desk doing his paperwork. I had to step over the rollers they place the wheel on for the test (probably unsafe) and at this time he spings on me that they have an additional $ 2 charge if you use a debit card.
None of the extras were very much, but c’mon! Be honest about your fees, and don’t try to scam me! I will not be returning to this place. There is another one down the street I have been to and they did not give me this hassle.

This guys are very dishonest. And will take you for a ride. Do not fall for their coupons, it is a scam to get yo there and charge you for tests, and retests and again for retests.
I will never go there and do not recommend them to anyone.

Place sucks. The guy wouldn’t honor his own coupon! Even after the additional $ 10 upcharge because its a van, he insisted on charging $ 30 more because its a diesel– BUT HE WOULD NOT EXPLAIN THE ADDED CHARGE EVEN THOUGH IT DOESN’T COST HIM A DIME MORE TO TEST THIS VEHICLE!!! Save yourself the trouble and do not even think about going to this greedy s.o.b.

They only do smog tests here, but right next door they’ll do other stuff (ie oil change, tire rotations, what have you).
They were fast and nice enough. The price here is comparable to other smog check places. They have a coupon on their website for $ 29.75, but it clearly states:
«Trucks, vans, SUVs $ 10 extra
95 and older add $ 15
Motor-​home, diesel, luxury cars extra
Call for STAR certification»
For my luxury car, I paid $ 40 cash ($ 42 for credit card). I think I got out in 15 minutes. The guy who helped me, Robert, was not the owner and there were a couple of older gentlemen just hanging out. One of them pointed out that there was coffee, tea, and candy available.
I’d recommend this place to others, but if I can find another/​better deal, I’d probably take it.

DO NOT TRUST THESE GUYS!!! This was the most frustrating smog check I have ever experienced. The coupon said $ 29.75, but when I called and told them my make/​model and year, they said $ 50. So I drove ½ hour to get there, and the guy said I was quoted the wrong price, it’s $ 65. I complained, so he said he would honor the quoted price, but no free retest if it fails. If I want a «free» retest, the cost is $ 85. Of course, it failed, but only due to what he said was a high RPM. He claimed it read 1400 RPM, but when I got in the car, the indicator read just under 1000. I think he failed it intentionally, and that he lied about the numbers. Maybe he pushed on the gas a bit during the test; I don’t know. Either way, these guys are total ripoff artists.