El Cerrito Test Only Center - Star Smog Station

Nizar Nassar 2 months ago

Absolute horrible service. The technician was incredibly rude and seemed to be in a horrible mood. No "hello, how can I help you" no courteousy, no decency, no manners. Then my vehicle failed the test and typically in my experience you fail, you don't pay, but he charged me anyway then told me I failed afterwards and wouldn't give me a refund. Then he said if I wanted to get retested he would charge me again! Ridiculous and down right criminal.

Josué Paredes 3 months ago

Personally, I feel like this place was great, Jose helped me out and he was super nice and welcoming from the get go. I expressed concern I wouldn't pass becausey battery had been disconnected last month and I didn't know if it had enough miles. He even took a quick sec before starting anything else to make sure the computer would read it. I was done in less than 13 mins! (I started a stopwatch on my watch to keep track of the 15 mins estimate since I went on a walk) . It was possibly a bit pricier than places I've been to before (given, it's been two years since I had to do a smog) but I really appreciated how quick, easy, polite and professional it all went. It seems like there's mixed reviews but I can't speak for anyone else but myself and I personally had zero issues here!

Dennis Cruz 6 months ago

Today, March 13, 2026 at approximately 10:00 AM, I brought my Honda S2000 to El Cerrito Test Only Center - Star Smog Station for a smog inspection. I purchased the inspection through Groupon because the station is close to my home and offered a discounted price. After I mentioned that I had purchased the smog inspection through Groupon, I noticed a change in the technician’s demeanor. When the technician began the inspection, he insisted that I remove an auxiliary audio adapter connected to my car radio before he could perform the smog test. This adapter has been installed in my vehicle for several years and has never caused any issues during previous smog inspections. The auxiliary cable is connected to the back of the radio, and removing it would require taking out the entire head unit from the dashboard in order to access and disconnect the adapter. This is not something that can be easily removed on the spot. The adapter is related only to the radio system and does not affect the vehicle’s emissions or the smog inspection process. Despite explaining this, the technician refused to proceed with the smog inspection unless the adapter was removed.

William Shipp 6 months ago

I appreciate they were upfront with the cost, but it is $89 for an “out of state vehicle”, apparently. No laws or information online validating this. Almost half price about a 1.5 miles down the road and they honor the coupon easily.

Chris L. a year ago

Kind gent, pulled up a chair for me when I chose to wait outside. Little bit of a communication issue when redeeming my Groupon, but easily resolved by showing him how to click "redeem..." on the online voucher and give him the code. Currently waiting for the Hawaiian BBQ joint down the road to open 😅👍