College Smog Check

Been here 3 times now and it’s always been fast and easy. Bring cash or check, cards are not accepted.

Came in on a rainy day, and was surprised to be greeted right at the entrance of the garage by the maintenance worker. I needed a smog check, and being the beginner that I am, I didn’t really know the proper procedure on how to get one. The worker was extremely nice, and when I showed him the dmv slip, he saw my confusion and explained it to me, and even gave me a discount! He recognized me even though the last time I went to him was over a year and a half ago, in a different car! After about ten minutes, he was done, and ushered me into the lobby. When I was ready to pay, I pulled out my credit card, only to find out that he only accepts cash or checks. Seeing that I didn’t have cash or a checkbook on me, he asked what bank I had, and told me the quickest direction on how to get to the closest bank branch! Since I didn’t pay yet and I had to leave the property, I tried to leave collateral, but he stopped me and told me with a smile that he trusts me and that I don’t need to leave anything. Remarkable service, and an even more genuine person! Definitely recommend!

My first visit to College Smog and I’ll probably return. Cash or check only, but a very reasonable price. This is a clean and efficient facility run by the personable Yugoslavian owner.

I am new to California. I didn’t know what I needed to transfer my plates etc. The gentleman who works here was very helpful and explained it all to me. I was in and out in 15 minutes. I will go back to him in the future!

Called the place, 10 minutes later I get there. 15 minutes later, I’m done. Just perfect! The guy is really nice too! Make sure to bring cash or check ($ 38).

Super fast and easy. There were two cars ahead of me but in only thirty minutes or so it was my turn. I definitely recommend this place.

I came in 10 mins before closing and received a warm welcome. MAKE SURE TO BRING CASH! My car was done within 10 mins! Super fast and efficient. The man was also nice enough to teach me how to pay for my registration and all other car stuff.
I’ll be coming back again when I need a smog test!

I came to thing guy 3 times. The first time I fail, he told me what to do to pass and to come back the next day. He didn’t even charge me. The 2^nd time my check engine light came on. He let me know what the code was and how to fix it and didn’t charge me again. The 3^rd time I finally passed. I will be recommending this guy to everyone I know. Awesome service and a nice guy. In and out in 15 minutes

I have been here multiple times over the last 10 years. They have never let me down. Always honest and will let you know how long the wait is going to be if you call. The owner is very nice and easy to work with.

I was turned onto College Smog Check by the good folks at Dennis Sherman Foreign Auto (thanks Dave :-D) to get my now-​troublesome 2003 BMW Z4 passed for the next couple of years. They told me that Luke, the proprietor, was a fair guy who would be able to confirm if it would pass and to get the process accomplished. I went by there and he was able to help me out with good advice (go online and DL a emissions system driving cycle regimen before submitting for test) and it worked perfectly, only took about 30 minutes to do the entire drive cycle. Great price (bring cash/​check, no cards) and nice folks also waiting for fast, friendly service to chat with. Location near several places to get a snack/​coffee if there’s a short wait. You can’t go wrong with this guy!!!

This is the BEST star-​certified smog station in San Diego… Luke is a great guy; he’s thorough, efficient, quick, and honest. He doesn’t try to sell you anything and his rates for the smog check and certificate can’t be beat. I would highly recommend him to my friends and family.

I called and was told that there was one car he was finishing. I arrive and had Great service without a long wait. In an out in15 minutes

Zero nonsense. $ 30 for the smog check. $ 8.75 for the certificate. He noticed that I had been here before and gave me 10% off. Will return.

As a college student, living away from home, there are specific moments in time when you are hit with the reminder that you’re a grown ass adult and need to do things without your momma holding your hand.
Getting your smog checked is definitely on the top of that list for me. But with this being my first time, of course I would lose my letter explaining that I needed my smog checked. I called several establishments explaining my situation and was faced with very similar responses. «HOW COULD YOU LOSE THAT?! Is this your first time? I don’t know what to do to your car if you don’t have it.»
Imagine how discouraged I was with this whole process already having to go out of my way for this not knowing the first thing about it except that it needs to be done. So I went on Unilocal and took a chance with college smog check and I was not disappointed.
I came right when it opened and was greeted by a warm and welcoming man. I explained my situation, holding my breath for the same lecture I got elsewhere and he just smiled at me and said it was no problem. Within ten minutes he was done and when I paid for his services he walked me through the next steps of how to get my car registered without me having to even ask. It was a nice and welcomed change from what I got from other smog check stations and I appreciate him giving me advice without me having to ask and feel a bit childish, asking for help.
His speediness, his kindness, and his warm demeanor will make me a returning customer and I won’t hesitate to tell my friends to visit this place for their smog check. Not only was his service top notch, but the price cannot be beat.

Awesome place! Neat, clean bathroom, very cool guy! Cash or check only. IF you blink you will miss it, hidden next to Tea room on College. I highly recommend this place

I recently got that dreaded letter in the mail to renew my vehicle registration and get a smog check. Luckily I found this place on Unilocal and am very happy I did!
I originally came on Monday at 3:15pm but the wait was an hour so decided to come back the next day. The next day there was no wait at all and I was in and out in about 15 minutes. really fast service, and he went over the results with me and what else I needed to do to renew my registration which I thought was very nice of him. I checked a couple of other places as well just to compare prices and this place has an awesome deal at $ 38 for an Explorer.
Some notes:
— The place is small and could be easily missed. If you’re driving south on College, it’ll be just before El Cajon Blvd on the right side. Make sure you look for the ‘College Smog Check’ sign
— They only accept cash or check. no cards
— It’ll be a little faster for him if you bring in your notice from the DMV, but it’s not needed
— There’s a small brown dog leashed to a nearby tree that’ll probably be barking at you the entire time you’re there unless you go over and pet it
— There’s also a cat that hangs around the area. It was in the doorway the entire time I was paying

great customer service. very accommodating. no appointment needed. we went there with 2 cars ahead of us. he ask as if a 30 minute wait is ok with us. we said its fine. theres a waiting room too.

This place has always been quick and easy. The owner is friendly and professional. Been here twice and never a wait.

First time I’ve needed to get my car smog checked since living in San Diego, so I did a quick Unilocal search and stumbled upon this shop, less than a mile from my house. Saw the reviews, decided to give it a shot!
Pulled up at around 11am, expecting to have a 30 minute or so wait. The kind older man comes right up to my car, says to give him 5 more minutes then the car before me will be done! I was happy, quick and painless. My car was done within 15 minutes, passed, certificate in my hand and out the door.
Super nice guy, clean office, really recommend this shop to anyone in need of a smog check. (and the price is good too, always a plus!)

Conveniently located on College Ave. near El Cajon Blvd., College Smog Check is the place to go when you get one of those dreaded notices in the mail. It’s not exactly fun having to pay for this service, but Slavko «Luke» makes it a decent experience. For $ 38, I got my car smogged in about 25 mins. He’s busy, so I was car number 3. Nice indoor and outdoor places to wait. Outside he has fig trees for sale just in case you are the spontaneous type of shopper. Inside the office, there are multiple knick knacks worth noting: 1970s era Charger lamp, retro SDSU pennants, and my favorite — several framed Spuds MacKenzie posters from the 1980’s. CSC has been going strong at this location for 17 years, and here’s to «Luke» doing this another 17.