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4 Less Smog Check
Categories: Automotive Smog Check Stations Automotive Gas & Service Stations Smog Check Stations, Gas & Service Stations [Edit]
2857 Broadway(between 28th St & 29th St)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 444-0444
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
106 reviews for 4 Less Smog Check
106 reviews in English
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Review from Jooeun L.
Oakland, CA
5/16/2012
Yelpers don't lie, yo!
OK, so I didn't actually get a smog check here... yet. I took the car in today, not realizing the implication that little "check engine" light would have... The nice gentleman told me that it would mean an automatic fail, so at that point I was very, very concerned, but he said he would check into what's causing the issue. He proceeded to do a diagnostic and let me know exactly what part I need to get replaced. He even advised me to buy it myself so I don't have to pay more at a mechanic's. He could have just as well run the smog check anyway and charged me for a failed test, but he didn't. Did't charge me a dime. After I take care of the issue, I will definitely go back there for my smog check. -
Review from Tony H.
Oakland, CA
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
BAD! the owner and co-owner don't know what they doing. they just smog check your car by the book.
ok..so I brought my 04 BMW to smog, waited 45 mins cos try to save some money, i know most of ppl gone here is because of the $40 outta door price..
so then back to smog, everything passed except the owner said he can't connect to my car's computer to upload data to DMV, so he fail me and urge me to bring to a shop to fix my car's computer. So then I was in my panic mode, don't know what to do, except to bring my car to XYZ motor down the block to see whats up.
When I arrived at XYZ, they couldn't figure out why can't connect to my car's computer and recommend me to another Smog shop on Broadway. So I gone over there pay another smog fees of $60 on top of the $33 I paid for the fail smog at "4 Less Smog Check".GUESS WHAT! The new place was able to connect and pass my smog check.
I explained what happened at "4 Less" and ask how did you do it. He said an experienced Technician should know some European cars connection plugs are wored out and sensitive, so you just have to keep trying. Nothing wrong with my car, just the inexperienced of the technician make my smog check incident such a disaster. And that is why some places charge $60 instead of $40.
I know this review may not help most common car owners out there, but if you have an European car and they fail you at "4 Less", ask them to keep trying, instead of giving up after 2 tries. Dude I know you have a line waiting out there for smog, but DUDE, I paid just as much as the next customer and I shouldn't be treated differently nor less. Totally wasting my time and money!
Just hope you guys don't repeat what I have experienced here. For $40 smog, you get what you pay for, inexperience tech! never again to this place!!! -
Review from Angela N.
Oakland, CA
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ditto what Dennis A wrote...I breezed through here with no hassle, no wait and the price you can't beat.
(Psst...there's also a yelp check-in discount!) -
Review from Bill M.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
Seeing raves about other places doing smog checks, I thought I should echo what others have written about this place specifically but add one vital bit of information: $39.00. Quick, friendly, clean waiting area and only $39 bucks. Unfortunately, they no longer do oil changes.
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Review from Chris S.
Oakland, CA
5/16/2012
Fast and cheap - everything you want from a smog check place.
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Review from Kim H.
Oakland, CA
5/21/2012
Thank you fellow Yelpers! You made a hated chore the easiest thing I've accomplished today.
4 Less Smog Check is clean, professional, reasonably priced, and efficient. There were three cars ahead of me and I was still done in under 20 minutes.
Don't bother looking further - drive over and check this off your list of things to do. -
Review from Hannah W.
Oakland, CA
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
As others have said, great and friendly service, very reasonable price. Also hugely convenient that they are open all day on weekends. This was the first time my car was up for smog, and I will definitely be back.
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Review from Terence D.
Oakland, CA
4/25/2012
99th Review :) This place has great pricing and the guys are nice and very professional. This will be go to smog place in THE TOWN!
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Review from nicole r.
Oakland, CA
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
They were friendly and gave me clear instructions on what to do. They are fast and cheap! will be back!
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Review from Jamila N.
Oakland, CA
4/23/2012
Good, quick, friendly service with a smile and a clean waiting room. I drove over on my lunch break and was out in about 15 minutes for $38 and change total. No complaints.
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Review from Marisa S.
Oakland, CA
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was very appreciative to have a great experience here with it being my first time getting my car smogged.
I ended up paying an extra $10 since my car was a 1994 but still, a great price for a smog. Will be coming back when the time comes once again.
Highly recommend! -
Review from wendy a.
Oakland, CA
4/19/2012
I expected to wait a while, since I didn't come in first thing in the morning. I also forgot my DMV paperwork, and was prepared to go back home to get it, but the guy who helped me told me it wasn't a problem. He also let me know they were dog friendly, and that me and my two small ruffians could wait in the waiting room. We took a quick walk around the block, came in, sat down, and I barely had time to log into Facebook on my smart phone when he came back in and said they were done. I mentioned the Yelp discount, and he had already factored that in. BEST smogging experience EVER! They are really nice, the location is squeaky clean and FAST! I will always come back here for my smog certs. this place ROCKS!!!
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Review from Jeff S.
Oakland, CA
2/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
They're so good, I think everyone on Yelp is there. There was a bit of a wait, but the guys there were very friendly and got the job done for $40.
If you need to get smogged and you're in the area, you'd be crazy not to come here. -
Review from Lillian L.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just got done smogging my car in less time than it took me to check in on Yelp and read my Facebook newsfeed. Pretty awesome!
The sitting room is reasonably comfortable and had a space heater to warm the room. The manager was really nice and very efficient.
Guess I'll be back in 2 years when my car needs smogging again. -
Review from Ashley O.
Alameda, CA
1/18/2012
Excellent, fast, $40 out the door! I love the manager, he was so friendly and the entire staff was working hard to get everyone water or coffee. (I hear they even have ice cream in the summer :o) The building was clean and easy to find. I would recommend this place to EVERYONE!
Thank you yelp for also helping me find this place. -
Review from Ting S.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
$40 and 15 minutes and you're out the door! The place is well-kept, and there's no crookery going on here.
As with any place where you're getting paperwork done, do give it a quick glance-over, as i noticed after i left that my car had been marked as "automatic" transmission rather than "standard". hope that doesn't matter in the long run........ -
Review from Isabel B.
Oakland, CA
4/3/2012
This was my first visit to this establishment and was greeted by a gentleman by the name of Robert. Very pleasant individual. He told me it would take about 10-15 minutes and asked that we wait in the waiting room. We waited for what seemed to be less than 10 minutes and he came back in and told me that my car passed and we were all done. This was the best customer service I've ever experienced! I definitely recommend this establishment to all! They are pleasant and very efficient.
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Review from Steve G.
Berkeley, CA
5/9/2012
My experience at the Berkeley location wasn't great. I'd seen the $29.99 sign on in front of the station for weeks and the web ad. The ad also said "$29.99 plus certificate cost. Free Retest, No hidden Fees". I asked about the $29.99 test as the sign wasn't out front the the guy working there acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. Then he said that since I was driving a van that would cost $10 more. For convenience, I went for it. The car failed, not because of the emissions but because of a transmission error code. I asked about the free retest and he said - "no, that would cost $30". I drove past the station a couple of hours later and I saw his $29.99 sign up again. The guy was friendly but not at all straight it just seems like a scam. I feel like an idiot. Be careful with this place.
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Review from David H.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011
Fast, cheap, clean.
$40 out the door. Super clean test only shop with little wait. You can even shop at Grocery Outlet across the street and save even more money! -
Review from Heidi K.
Oakland, CA
2/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yup! I must follow suit with another 5 star review! From the moment I arrived & was quickly greeted by super-friendly staff, and a relatively clean & comfy waiting area, the relaxing atmosphere instantly calmed me after my DMV visit. Everyone was nice, and they were relatively fast too! There was 2 cars ahead of me & I was out of there in 25 (no, not quite the 15 they say) but their hustle & bustle and fantastic trio of comfort, professionalism, and friendliness made it worth while! Keep up the great work guys!
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Review from Annette S.
Oakland, CA
12/3/2011
I told my dad I got my car's smog check for $40. He was in disbelief. Took him there for his truck's smog check. He was still in disbelief. He told his buddies that he got his smog check for $40. They were and still are in disbelief. Haaaa. I did good.
This is seriously the best smog check station in the east bay. They're cheap, efficient, extremely clean, professional, and friendly. I stopped by on a weekday afternoon and was out of there in 15 mins. Expect to wait a little longer if you go on the weekend. -
Review from Clare H.
Oakland, CA
3/25/2012
I drove in today with a coupon from another place thinking that I was at the place. Turns out the place is down the street. A man by the name of Robert greeted me and said that he would honor the coupon and do one better, beat the amount of the discount on the coupon, which he ended up doing. The smog test did not take long and there is a nice, quiet waiting room in which to read (or meditate if that's your thing). What a relief to have that smog test done.
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Review from Susangela M.
Oakland, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice, nice, nice guys. Everything is 5 stars except the funky waiting room, that's fine I can walk over to Grocery Outlet and pick up some bargain wine instead of sitting around.
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Review from Jenny T.
Rodeo, CA
3/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
super nice people. my car failed at stupid Rodeo smog station but passed here. He warmed it up, and it passed all in about 10 minues. I love this place. guy who helped me was super funny and nice.
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Review from Dennis A.
Oakland, CA
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Everyone dreads getting their car smog tested. Most test stations are full of shit, advertising deals they have no intention of honoring, so it's always good when you discover that there are people of integrity running small businesses. Before calling 4 Less Smog Check, every place i checked was quoting me $60-80 for a simple smog test. I finally called '4 Less', and before i could even mention the coupon, the gentleman on the phone told me that he'd have me in an out within 20 minutes for only $40.
Thank you for keeping it real, and running a business on the principles of affordability and great customer service. -
Review from Lori H.
Oakland, CA
4/22/2012
Needed a place that I could get a smog check done on the weekend, and found this place. It was a snap. Drove right in. Parked as the sandwich board sign said, left the window down, keys in the ignition and the DMV papers on the dash. Then went to their waiting room. Which I must say was pretty nice, and hearing from other reviews that it was dog friendly brought my puppy. This was an extra bonus. Finished the check in less than 20 minutes and for under $40. Great service, fast, the technician was super nice, and waiting room was comfortable. Will go there the next time around DMV requires a smog check.
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Review from Melissa B.
Oakland, CA
9/12/2011
Super nice and friendly staff. No bullsh*t, and only $40 when you mention the internet special. Plus, I only waited about 20 or so minutes in the CLEAN waiting room
As a female its horrible getting harassed or taken advantage of by sleazy ass dudes when you have to get your car worked on, Gross!
This is not that kind of place, both guys working last week were kind, honest and helpful.
Go here. -
Review from Momoko S.
Oakland, CA
10/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The place is super clean, the stuff super pleasant. I love the coupon, and the service was super quick. I went to DMV in Temescal right after I left this place, and the DMV already had the report electronically placed by this place.
This place makes the painful car care a lot less painful.
Oh, I came to this place while back ago and my "check engine" light was on. They were kind enough to let me know that my van would fail the test, telling me to take care of the "check engine" light issue first and come back. They didn't charge anything for that. I hear some mean smog test people just go ahead and do the test to "fail" your car so they make more money by doing so, but this place does not do the mean greedy thing. -
Review from Ramon F.
Oakland, CA
10/12/2011
With out any doubt the best place to go...
- Its the cheapest around
- Very professional/polite staff
- Very fast
- and no strange extra charges or surprises
I have a Subaru Impreza WRX (which is a turbo AWD) and it was as advertised... $40 nothing more, nothing less.
Thanks guy's -
Review from Jen A.
El Cerrito, CA
9/22/2011
Fast
Cheap
Very Friendly
An absolutely great place! -
Review from Catherine F.
Berkeley, CA
4/10/2012
Super efficient and a friendly staff! No hassles. Highly recommend it!
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Review from Tim B.
Mission Viejo, CA
8/27/2011
This place is the best. Super fast, GREAT price, and Robert is just the coolest guy around.
Seriously, the best smog check experience I have EVER had in my life. I will be coming back here every 2 years, guaranteed.
And they take Credit Cards now, so there really is no negatives about this place anymore. -
Review from brad p.
Oakland, CA
10/20/2011
Came in with no appt.
waited 15 min. max.
$40 complete price.
Friendly service.
Perfect.
I will be back. -
Review from White F.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2011
If you want quick testing with a very clean buidling, take your vehicle here.
They are a test only station but can perform regular testing, also.
They do not do repairs but if you are confident that your vehicle will pass,
then this is the place to go.
Took my 1990 GMC Pickup there this morning and was out in no time at all. While waiting, they even performed some service on another customer and they reset his computer for free.
This is my second vehicle and will take my 3rd one there when it's time. Don't need to look any further for a reliable Test Station. -
Review from Maya L.
Alameda, CA
8/16/2011
I was in and out in less less time than I could finish drinking a cup of coffee!!! Robert was real cute and friendly!!! (Hi Robert!!!)I found out about this place online and mentioned the online special, cost me $40.00.
Best price in town and great service!
I will come back again and recommend this place to everyone I know. -
Review from Sonia G.
Oakland, CA
3/17/2012
It was quick. The place is impeccable. And the guys are not bad either. If you live in the bay area this is the place. And dog friendly too! Thanks guys!
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Review from Jennifer M.
Emeryville, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was easy as pie getting my car smog checked at this location. I pulled my car up, left my paperwork on my dashboard, waited in the waiting room, and then my car was all set. I did come during a busy time, so there were a few cars ahead of me and also a few cars waiting behind me. I waited for about 20 to 30 mins, which was cool. Ive been to a few places that take an hr or so. Anyway- Id come back here and I would also recommend it to other ppl, too. Oh yeah, the guys that work here are real nice!
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Review from jen d.
12/19/2011
Robert was extremely helpful to us when we were going through a check engine light fiasco with our mechanic. He warned us it would fail and gave us some good advice on what to have checked on it. Incredibly professional and fast service for an affordable price. It is rare to actually not completely dread going to a smog check but somehow they make it possible.
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Review from C. W.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2012
Totally earned the 5 stars. Quick, easy, no nonsense. $40 for test, plus certificate, and it went right to the DMV electronically. Super nice workers to boot! I'll be back next year, I'm sure.
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Review from Michael S.
Emeryville, CA
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just pulled in right off of broadway into a giant garage entrance. Very friendly! Fast and cheaper than other places around. Electronically sent to DMV. Highly recommended.
