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Alan Test Only - Smog Test Station
Category: Automotive Smog Check Stations Smog Check Stations [Edit]
2627 Middlefield RdSte B
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 364-0538
Hogan W. said: "When I found out my 2006 needed a smog check, I immediately consulted Yelp. After reading the reviews for each location in the local area, I had to check out Mountain View Smog only for the worthy recommendations. I went to the Smog…" read more »
48 reviews for Alan Test Only - Smog Test Station
48 reviews in English
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Review from Tony R.
Redwood City, CA
4/3/2012
I made a call to Alan Test Only - Smog Test Station and was greeted by a, "Hello, Alan here!". Given the good Yelp ratings I decided to bring in my 1996 Chrysler Mini-van for a Smog- Test Only.
Alan was quick and was very systematic with the test. He isn't much for words but hey, he did a great job and got me out of there fast. Don't let his shop fool you (Picture one of those garage shops that seems like it's been there forever with the typical "car mechanic" wear and tear). Alan does great work and for around $30 I feel like I'm paying for the Smog test and not contributing to some elaborate, fancy showroom garage. -
Review from Ramon Q.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Don't look further. Get your smog test here. Fast service and low priced; Alan is all about honest business and he gets the job done with sincerity. Out in 15 min. You will not be be ripped off like many other places in the area.
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Review from Janice C.
Mountain View, CA
6/15/2011
Came by this morning for a smog test. There was one car before me so I had to wait about 15 mins. With the craigslist coupon the cost came out to be $35 (for a 2001 car).
This place is pretty much the cheapest (or almost cheapest) place around Menlo Park/Redwood City area for a smog check. I've came here for my past two smog tests for my car as well.
Just not too fond of the decor of this place, it doesn't look very clean and it smells bad around and about the service area. -
Review from Stasha P.
Redwood City, CA
Updated - 10/19/2011
Before he even ran the test he told me I'd fail because my check engine light was flashing. He could have just taken my money and failed my car. Instead I was able to go get the light turned off, then take the test, and again I passed. Alan is my lucky smog place. Even our old 84 truck passed. It's also nice to know that if he sees you aren't going to pass right off the bat he won't waste your time or your money having you test anyway.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2009
It's pretty much like all the others say. If you get the coupon off of craigslist you will pay half… Read more »
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Review from Winslow Y.
Redwood City, CA
Updated - 11/7/2011
Back for my 3rd and final smog check for the year today. Came in around 10:30am on a Monday, no wait and was done in 15 mins. Yes, it might smell a little bit but for $30 out the door (Craigslist coupon) you can't go wrong.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/15/2011
Just had another smog check done - $30 out the door (Craigslist coupon only, regular $58). Alan is… Read more »
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Review from Laura S.
Redwood City, CA
9/6/2007 8 photos
WOOHOO! I PASSED MY SMOG TEST!!!
Maybe this is not a big deal to some people, but for me, going to a smog test station is like going to the dentist after I've waited a liiiittle too long between visits. There's a ton of guilt involved. You feel like the dentist is just going to look at you and shake his head for letting the little problems go on too long without getting fixed and then he drops you a bomb that you need a root canal.
OK, I've never been told I need a root canal. But you get the picture. I've never been the type with a lot of extra cash in the bank to repair a car's minor problem, the moment I notice it. I do change the oil pretty regularly but don't get tuneups as often as I should.
Anyway - being that I'm always trying to save money, Alan Smog Test (not Alan's with the apostrophe and the s) was the perfect place to go. He had an ad on craigslist offering a good discount, which I think was about half off. $30 (if you pay cash). Normally it's about $60. Today I paid $32 because I didn't have cash, no big deal, I don't blame the guy for charging extra if it costs him more to use a credit card and he's saving me a ton of money.
PLEASE NOTE the $30 price is going to go UP soon, because the government is now going to require some new emissions type of test, starting at the end of this month, so if you're due for a smog check in the next few months, I recommend you get it done now. I think the price is going to go up at least $10. He had to buy a whole new machine to do this new test starting in October.
I know this guy is fair, honest, and fast. My old 1978 Toyota truck didn't pass the smog test here but I KNEW that would happen (you could kind of tell just by looking at it that it wouldn't!). I guess because I've driven so many older cars, i just assumed my Honda wouldn't pass either, and went in 2 weeks before my registration was due, so i could apply for the "smog assistance" program. So I was elated when it passed!
For anyone who doesn't already know, if your car fails the smog test, you may qualify for an assistance program to help get your car repaired. OR, if the car is just beyond help (like my last truck was) you can retire it for UP TO A THOUSAND BUCKS............. which is exactly what I did. That's right. A thousand bucks. That's a month's rent for me so I'm super thankful to Alan for telling me this (he had the brochures on his table) when my old truck didn't pass. I also felt pretty justified in this because I spent about 3 years paying insurance on this truck when I only used it about once every 2 months. I also just missed out on the program when I inherited my Dad's chevy chevette - which I rarely used though I paid for the insurance, and ended up donating it to the SPCA.
I meant to do this review for Alan a few months ago but didn't get the chance till now. If you want the discount price, look for his CL post and print it out yourself (I think i found it by typing "smog test" in the search box under "services"). If you can't find it, try calling ahead and see if he'll give it to you, or just show up and mention you saw the price advertised on a Yelp review. Hopefully he'll know about yelp and just go ahead and give it to you.
By the way, don't expect any fancy surroundings. The place is very basic. The bathroom is a little... um... kind of the polar opposite of the downtown SF Nordstrom's bathroom, if you know what I mean. You sit on a sofa that's got towels on it (but hey they're clean). It's on the "not so rich" part of Middlefield Road (few blocks south of Costco in RWC). Not the kind of neighborhood you'd necessarily want to go for a brisk walk in to kill time, if you're a chick, but I didn't feel unsafe while I was just waiting there at the station. Do i give a sh*t about fancy surroundings when I'm saving 30 bucks? No siree. I can think of a hell of a lot of things I'd rather spend 30 bucks on, that don't include sitting on a leather sofa or using a fancy bathroom in a smog test station. It's 15 minutes. I'm a tough girl. I can deal with it.
As long as I'm living in Redwood City and need a smog check, Alan test station is definitely the place I'm bringing my car. -
Review from Kersten A.
Burlingame, CA
8/2/2007
Cheap and quick smog check.
Went today. No appointment. Just drove in. $30 smog check with coupon from craigslist, home skillets. (add $2 if you pay by credit card). It only took about 20 minutes total. The waiting couch is right there in the garage so you can watch Alan in action.
FOR THE CRAIGSLIST COUPON:
You have to go to the "automotive" subsection of the "Services" on craigslist for the coupon. Do a search for "smog check coupon" and it should pop up. -
Review from Edgard O.
Redwood City, CA
10/19/2008
BOO YAAA !!!!!
Print the coupon ! $35.00 out the door ....at first i was afraid that I was gonna get ripped off, cuz based on the look of the place ( the two lazy boys full of dog hair, the flea shampoo all over the place, dog food all around) I thought I would get taken for since it is only a TEST ONLY place. BUT NO !! passed with flying colors in and out less than 10 min...had to wait for two other guys in front of me , but that was less than 30 min.
Just beware of the two beasts in there !! well, one of them, he will try to get a hold of you and rip you to shreds !!!! ( I will post pics of themponsters later) -
Review from Melissa T.
Livermore, CA
4/23/2009
Ghetto station and area, older equipment, yapping dogs left in front of the test area, took FOREVER (read: an HOUR) and he failed me. That's odd since it passed elsewhere a few months ago and all maintenance is up to date.... I still had to pay (and no free re-test) and will have to pay again elsewhere to get it done properly tomorrow. It seemed like he didn't really know what he was doing since he referred to phone book-sized manuals every 5 minutes and seemed to repeat actions over and over again... hence the 1 hour check. He also failed the guy in front of me (w/another newer car that seemed like it should have passed) - and when both of us asked why, he had no idea. I asked if my fluids were low or something - again, he had no idea. WTF?
UPDATE: Less than 24 hours later I took the same car to another (more reputable) smog place **without doing anything to the car** and it passed with FLYING COLORS. I had an excellent emissions rating and the guy even commented as such. So I would definitely beware of Alan's smog test station. False readings aren't cool. -
Review from Waynele Y.
Honolulu, HI
3/15/2007
car registration due this week, about to mail in that check and then I notice for the first time, in HUGE print on the top, STOP SMOG Certification required. Dammit..
So off to Craigslist I go..
$$$ 50%OFF COUPON $$$
SAVE YOUR MONEY TODAY
WE CERTIFY:
1.TEST ONLY
2.REGULAR
3.GROSS POLLUTER
4.OUT OF STATE
OUR REGULAR PRICE IS $49.75 + CERT ( $8.25)
BUT FOR OUR CRAIGSLIST CUSTOMER IS $21.75 + CERT
MUST PRINT COUPON
(PAY CASH ONLY)
we open from 8:30am-7:30pm
ALAN TEST ONLY
2627 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD
REDWOOD CITY CA 94063
TEL :1-650-364-0538
NO FREE RETEST WITH DISCOUNT
After reading "NO FREE RETEST WITHOUT DISCOUNT" I started wondering if this guy would fail you on purpose just to get another $20 out of you, but.. I passed.
Craigslist, you come through again! What a SWEET DEAL - $30 out the door!! Be sure visit craigslist and print your coupon before you go. -
Review from Teyah Y.
Redwood City, CA
2/21/2009
I couldn't be happier. I needed to get my car smogged and was told by a co-worker that this place was great.
I printed the coupon from http://craigslist.org (search "Alan Smog" under services). $35.00 dollars and 15 minutes later, I was on my way tackling the rest of my day. Love it!
Word to the wise, this place isn't fancy by any means so don't expect a pedicure and manicure when you are sitting in the 2 recliner chairs that make up the "waiting area". Its a "Just get in, get the work done and get out" kinda place. All you need. Again, Love it!
Not sure what Min K's problem is (review dated 1/26/09) because everything I have heard, and experienced, about Alan's is great! My womans intuition tells me that "Min" is related to a nearby shop that might not be getting the rave reviews Alan's does. Why else would someone from Emeryville be commenting on a shop in Redwood City? I dunno, maybe its just me but something doesn't add up there. -
Review from Jennifer G.
San Mateo, CA
Updated - 3/4/2009
!!!!!
What happened, Alan Test is not on Craigslist this week!
I need a smog next month, please put those coupons back up! :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/11/2007
No appointment needed, just drove up with my $30 cash, http://craigslist.org coupon and 20 minutes… Read more »
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Review from Paul K.
San Mateo, CA
3/29/2007
Alan is great. I got my test, certificate, and electronic filing, for $30 cash. I did bring a print-out of the Craig's list ad to get this price.
I asked Alan about his business. He's been doing smog checks for 6 years, and has had his own business for 2 years.
He was polite and efficient, and has a decent enough waiting area. The test didn't take that long. -
Review from Frank G.
Fremont, CA
6/8/2009
This place is awesome. Stepped in here to do a smog test during lunch. No appointment was needed. Alan completed my smog check in 15-20 minutes total. Very efficient and pain free.
Cost was $35 total with Craigslist discount. Cars that are 1995 or older are slightly more expensive.
The one downside is that it's in Redwood City, and it's pretty ghetto. But seriously who cares. It all ends up being a computerized and getting sent to the DMV electronically anyway.
5 stars. I would highly recommend. -
Review from yule t.
Menlo Park, CA
12/24/2008
Ok, just got a smog done today. Alan's machine had gone down due to some problems so a tech had to come out to make some repairs. That meant I had to wait at least 30 minutes for the guy to finish, but that couldn't be helped.
The shop wasn't really that hard to find if you're heading from Woodside, though it IS a bit harder to see from Marsh. Just look for the side street before the supposed shop comes up and turn right into there heading from Marsh. The opening is to the immediate left.
I saw the two beastly dogs. Poor things looked like they were freezing in the cold air! Due to the two beasts leaving their marks on the platform, I'll have to dock at least a star. I expect to see automotive related waste in a shop, but of the organic variety, that's just not right.
Price of course is great. I may have to dock a star too for a messy shop though. It just doesn't give off a great sense of assurance. However, service was fine. So in summary:
a) 3 stars for service as it wasn't very exceptional, just got the job done
b) 2 stars for cleanliness - the poop and messiness
c) 5 stars for price - already documented, use coupon, and pay the man in cash
3.33/5 overall. I'll go back if only just for the price. If I were any more taken aback by the poop and mess, I'd opt for a cleaner shop. -
Review from Yan Biao B.
East Palo Alto, CA
4/15/2009
works well. A++. will buy again.
don't need coupon. just tell him you want the discount.
like "give it to me dude!"
ok, i loaded it on my phone just in case. didn't need it though. -
Review from Nevin C.
Brisbane, CA
12/23/2010
Awesome deal for a smog check especially if you can find his craigslist coupon... Definitely no-nonsense -- your car gets smogged while you wait next to his rice cooker and makeshift kitchen...
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Review from Brandon L.
San Carlos, CA
Updated - 11/29/2010
Alan does it again! This is a fantastic place to bring your car for smog check. I brought my father's Jaguar in and his machine could not communicate with this car's computer. Did not charge me a dime for his time and even recommended me to go down the block and try the "other" smog check station where he suggested I could get the "$40 discount rate." An honest mechanic with good skills....these days someone like that is hard to come by.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/9/2010
No nonsense smog check station. Got me in and out within reasonable time. Gave discount as… Read more »
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Review from Eric Y.
Redwood City, CA
9/11/2010
Fast , efficient, and inexpensive. Don't forget the "coupon" from Craigslist. No frills, no espresso while you wait, but if you need a smog check fast and dirty, this is the place. And Alan is really a nice guy...
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Review from B A.
Foster City, CA
6/21/2010
Who wants to goto a fancy smog place and pay tons of money when its all the same result? This place is a no frills smog station. Quick in and out with no sales men to make you buy stuff for your car. Alan is a cool guy, who just wants to get the job done in about 20 mins or less.
Best deal in area.... -
Review from Mi Sun K.
Redwood City, CA
6/19/2008
Hell yes, can't beat a cheap smog check! Definitely get the 50% off coupon on Craigslist. The shop's a little bit hard to find since it's kinda small... scratch that, it's REALLY small. It's pretty much a slightly larger 2 car garage with a couch in it for "waiting" purposes while your car's getting smogged. Yup, Alan does the work right in front of you and you should be outta there within about 20 min. Hopefully, you won't get stuck in line, but I think word's spreading quickly about this place. Bring a book or, if you're a nerd like me, bring your Nintendo DS.
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Review from Ada R.
San Jose, CA
7/10/2007
I passed. It was $30 with the craigslist coupon. Didn't have to wait long. I'm happy.
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Review from Kristine T.
Redwood City, CA
11/18/2009
Great, simple and quick. Printed off a coupon from CL, got it for half off. No frills, just your basic shop with some barky dogs.
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Review from Sarah M.
San Jose, CA
12/28/2009
I love this guy!! There's always a craigslist coupon for something like half off and both times I've been here, my car has passed =) That's all I need from a smog place. Yes, terrible location and there's occasionally a wait on a really awkwardly crowded street but I'm cheap and so is this place. So I wait. And once everything is said and done...I'm out the door, my smog results are sent to the DMV and I haev one less thing to worry about. Thanks Mr. Smog Man! Oh and bonus points for bringing your dogs to work =)
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Review from David A.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2011
Best value, quick service.
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Review from Kristina H.
New Haven, CT
7/27/2007
Great service. No appointment and cheap with the craigslist coupon. The waiting area is a bit gross. I stood outside, which was fine since it was a nice day, but I must have looked slightly uncomfortable because the place next door offered to let me sit in their waiting area. I don't think this area is normally frequented by single young women, but you can't beat the price.
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Review from Nick T.
Redwood City, CA
1/3/2009
Simple and easy. Be sure to print the coupon from Craigslist to pay $35 including the certificate. And be careful of the little white dog... He may only weigh 2 or 3 lbs but he's a mean little bastard.
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Review from Ramon G.
Redwood City, CA
6/26/2010
Best smog test deal i found around my area. Alan is professional and quick. Highly recommended!
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Review from John A.
San Bruno, CA
7/10/2007
No frills but who cares. The guy was very cordial but spoke little English. Again, who cares.
As long as you have the cashola and the coupon from Craigs list, you can be in and out of there for a total of $30.00. I used to do smogs back in 1995 and it still wasn't that cheap! I went in at 11:15 am on a Tuesday and was done by 11:35.
I did try calling on the phone for more info but nobody answered so I just showed up.
Can't beat it -
Review from Ashley K.
Newport Beach, CA
2/3/2008
Cheap with Craigslist' coupon. $40 including certificate for cars 1995 or older; $30 otherwise.
The neighborhood is a little scary if you are a single female who are used to living in Palo Alto, so you might want to find a male friend to go with you. The station has no designated parking lot and the waiting area is cold. But overall a good experence. -
Review from John B.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2008
Coupon claims were spot on. $35 to smog your car hard to beat that.
Interesting to note, it appears that there is a practicing poker dealer in the shop. I considered trying to get in on a game of Oicho-Kabu. But I thought I should keep my money in my pocket. -
Review from Craig S.
San Carlos, CA
3/21/2009
Basically as expected from the other reviews... found the coupon, drove up, handed over paperwork and keys. On my way 20 minutes later. As others have mentioned - not fancy. Just a garage, some chairs, and some other random stuff (a clothes rack?).
Not sure how they measure up for retest policies as it didn't matter in my case. This was the best deal I've found and certainly better than the $50 I paid for my other car a month ago. -
Review from Henry T.
Los Altos, CA
5/22/2011
no nonsense smog. I used to go to the original Palo Alto Smog, but since Logan moved out of the area, had to find a new place, Alan is my new smog guy. Gets the job done, great price, worth the drive to Redwood City
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Review from Francisco T.
Redwood City, CA
1/13/2010
The best smog test deal in San Mateo County.
Couldn't find a lower price anywhere else within 20 miles.
Test was quick, the guy was friendly, and it's near my home. -
Review from Fan Z.
Mountain View, CA
9/28/2010
I was skeptical of this place due to it's surroundings, but Alan did a hell of a job on my car. I used to think $55 was the cheapest you can get for smog check, but he destroyed the competition in both quality and price.
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Review from Jo G.
Redwood City, CA
1/14/2008
Well, I listened to my fellow Yelpers! I have had HORRIBLE experiences with TEST ONLY smog check centers in time past. But not today. I searched and searched for the Craigslist coupon, but to no avail - it's no longer there. So I called Alan's place and talked to his wife to see if I could still get the discount. She doesn't speak very good english, but she was very nice, and said "no problem". It turns out the discounted fee has gone up $10 due to the new fuel evaporation system check machine (cost was 3,500 for Alan), which went into effect on November 1, 2007, but I still got out of there for $40 cash, passed the tests, very little wait, and even got a laugh because they had a totally humorous friend stop by to hang out with them. Alan gets my vote. Your hands are tied to a certain extent when you own a Test Only center, due to the governmental regulations and restrictions, so Kudos to you when you make it work.
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Review from Liz H.
Redwood City, CA
11/13/2010
Fast, efficient. No frills. The price is the best I've found. Look for a coupon on craigslist.
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Review from Kevin L.
Menlo Park, CA
1/24/2008
quick and cheap
despite the ghetto area
normal people may be scared of the looks of that area, but turns out this one is a good one.
remember to use the coupon on craigslist to get discount -
Review from Scott S.
Palo Alto, CA
10/20/2007
Another happy customer for Alan Test Only. I hate paying extra for something that I'm forced to do! I googled "craigslist alan smog check", and printed out the coupon, after reading the postive reviews on yelp. This is after calling a couple local places that had $30 off coupons, after which their price was $58. I arrived, and there wasn't anyone else in line, so I sat on the tired sofa while my car was checked. No problems - I passed quickly, paid my $30 cash, and headed home. Including the round trip, I probably spent less time this way than I have for other recent smog checks, and I paid less. Thanks Yelp members for great reviews that convinced me it was worth the trip, and thanks Alan for a good, fast smog check.
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Review from Jess i.
San Mateo, CA
1/30/2009
Yelp never leads me astray! Being a single, semi car clueless girl I didn't know where to go or what to do. Well, I found this place through yelp and searched craigslist for their 50% off coupon so my 2000 honda's smog check was a steal atr $35! Which is 20-30 dollars less than I thought it was oging to be. The $35 includes the certificate which you recieve from them too. Saw the little white dogs but they were in their carriers so don't have much to say about that. It wasn't sparkling clean but I dont expect a smog test stationt o be. I felt safe, err.. as much as I could possibly be. Anyways, come here for cheap and quick and easy service!
