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Arroyo Smog - CLOSED
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive Smog Check Stations Automotive Body Shops Auto Repair, Smog Check Stations, Body Shops
7021 N Figueroa StLos Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 254-2352
About This Business:
Since the 1950's, Schiro's has been a family owned and operated business committed to delivering exceptional quality and superior care to every client… read more »
85 reviews for Arroyo Smog
85 reviews in English
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Review from joe h.
Los Angeles, CA
8/25/2011
Bill! What a guy!
He helped me so much, I went into his shop with a check engine light and I had to pass smog. I went to Bill shop to get the BAR form (government pays you so your car can pass smog). I just went there got my paperwork and was about to leave. But he stops me and says I'm not done with you yet. He looks at my car to try and figure out what could be causing the CEL. He looks under the hood and finds 3 hoses disconnected from emission parts. I was surprised, but he did all he could to figure out where they went and hooked them out. He also checked my gas cap to make sure it wasn't faulty. Overall Bill is a great mechanic, business man and person.
I also drove all the way from mid-wilshire Korea town to have bill look at my car. There are tons of smog places here in LA. I'll be going to see Bill soon again. Thanks Bill. -
Review from Jesse D.
Los Angeles, CA
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wish that a 6th star existed for places like Arroyo.
I came to Bill to get a smog check for my car and was immediately impressed by his honesty and all-around integrity. I decided to try Arroyo based on the Yelp reviews, and once again Yelp has come through.
Bill is a wealth of valuable information, he really cares about his customers and he's fun to talk to besides. It (almost) makes me want to go back and get another smog check soon.
I would follow this guy into battle, let alone trust him with my car. If you live within 30 miles of Arroyo, it would be foolish to go anywhere else. -
Review from Deserie H.
Montebello, CA
6/17/2011
I'm giving this shop a 5 stars not based on a smog check. The reason for this is that I never got a smog check from Arroyo.
I drove all the way to them, which was completely out of my way, because of all the fantastic reviews on yelp. I'm so glad I did.
Bill was super nice. He never touched my car because he recommended another shop to get my smog check. Who does that now a days? He knows his stuff because he knew just by looking at my car that it wouldn't pass, just from looking at it you couldn't tell, but he suggested this other shop and also a program, the state use to provide this service but budget cuts has eliminated the service for now, that is funded by big oil companies that would help pay for fixing my car. He saved me hundreds of dollars and I never spent one penny on him.
Recommend this shop to all your friends and take you car(s) to him, I will, and don't think twice about doing this, I won't.
A side note:
He's shop is not on the street, its on the property in the back, so it might be hard to find but keep looking! -
Review from Courtney D.
Los Angeles, CA
12/2/2011
They were really awesome on the phone and I was expecting equally awesome service. I called him on Thursday and he said the wind was bad so I couldn't come in that day but the next day would be fine. I arrived the next day and everything was closed down and they seemed to have no idea what I was talking about when I said they told me to come in today. I was really disappointed, but was able to find a different smog check on yelp and they were much more receptive and I was able to get in and out of there. I would recommend calling here, but not going here.
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Review from Paolo P.
Beverly Hills, CA
8/20/2011
Although I haven't had any work done or even met Bill in person or visited his shoppe I am compelled to write this review.
Here's my little story...
I purchased a used car recently and the next day I had a major repair (see my other review of the great repair shoppe I lucked upon). Obviously this sucked major Limburger but I remained positive.
Then I went to register and was told I needed to have a smog report. Mmm...should have known but didn't. I started to worry. Was my deal too good to be true? (Aside from the hiccup) Let me elucidate further: the car is a 1986 Alfa Romeo. (yes, yes, I can hear all of your "ohhhh...."'s and Lucille Ball "ehhhh!!! Ethel!!!"'s) but I remained positive.
So what else to do but hit up Yelp? I happened upon another listing which Bill had commented on which lead me to his listing here. I was then thrilled to learn about the Consumer Assistance Programme which would cover up to $1300 worth of car repairs for only a $20 copay!! Whoopee! And who ever said the Universe was over-rated?! On top of that, tomorrow (Sun 21.Aug), Bill's shoppe was holding a free smog check day! Yea!!!! So I printed everything out and called this afternoon just to confirm.
Bill answered the phone (even after the shoppe had closed) and spent 30 minutes on the phone counseling me on my situation, the steps I needed to take and the preparations and advice that would help me from making some major mistakes and losing a lot of money. It turns out that in my situation of transferring a vehicle that, unfortunately, I could not take advantage of the state's CAP programme (wah, wah, wahhh...) but after Bill's spending his time talking and helping a total stranger (on the phone no less), a consultation on the states site to check my vehicle's test history (never failing...whew...) I actually have my positivity intact. And I don't have to wake up at an ungodly hour on a Sunday.
If I impart anything of value with this review let it be that Bill is a man of stellar integrity and generosity. So truly exceptional that it actually had a transformational effect on me - eroding even more of the patina of cynicism and distrust that we all can't seem to help holding on to these days. I honestly think he is an agent of one of my guardian angels.
Bravo and thank you again, Bill! -
Review from Caitlin D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/24/2011
This place is fantastic and Bill was beyond wonderful. Most mechanics are condescending jerks who love to talk down to you, but Bill was nothing but polite, easy to talk to and straightforward about everything involving my car.
I was in and out of there for a smog check in about 20 minutes! -
Review from Rob P.
Los Angeles, CA
10/12/2010
This is my first review in a year or so, because
of Bill.
When my old truck failed the test, he took his time and explained
the next steps I needed to take in simple, direct terms.
He even helped me save money in the process.
Thanks Bill! -
Review from Hassan Rahim M.
Los Angeles, CA
6/12/2011
Bill was amazing. We had a conversation for about 15 minutes prior to smog about his MFA at Otis for Sculpture, wouldn't have known he is a fellow artist. He gave us all types of useful information about CA state car programs, told us exactly the best information on what we need to do to pass, and even gave us a cold soda and some shade while we waited!
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Review from Nicole C.
La Crescenta, CA
6/11/2010
So technically, I didn't actually have a smog check here....yet. But, I am giving this place five stars, and here is why:
It's been a rough week and to top it off, my car just went kaput last night. Today, I brought my car into Avi's shop (right next door) to get repaired. I was going to take the bus home and Bill offered to give me a ride since my place is on his way home. I definitely think that the kindness of strangers is rare these days and that deserves a 5 star rating....especially when you have one of those weeks where something like that completely reaffirms your faith in humanity. :)
So next year when I need a smog check, THIS is the place I will be taking my car.
Thanks Bill!!!!!Listed in: Helping a lady out...
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Review from Eric M.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 9/24/2010
I know its been overstated here on yelp but Bill is simply one of the nicest persons I know. If more doctors, lawyers, accountants, fast food servers were as friendly and professional as Bill we would be living in utopia.
Went here for my second smog check in two years. Having failed a smog check 6 years ago, and my car being as old as it is, I stress out about doing this but going here has made it less stressful. Bill assures you that if you fail, the state will pay for it and he makes sure he walks you through every step. Well, I passed everything except the gas cap so Bill sold me a new one. Even then he assured me it was the best gas cap available and he guaranteed that if I go back to him in 2 years and it fails he would replace it. He even showed me how my original cap failed. I trust Bill so what he tells me I dont think twice.
If you ever need a smog check go here!! There really is no other place to go.
Oh, I met his assistant Mike and he is hilarious!
Just a great shop. I would give this place 100 stars if I could.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/13/2008
If you need a smog check, don't look any further because this is the place to go. If you learn… Read more »
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Review from Dennis U.
Los Angeles, CA
5/26/2010
I'm impressed. Bill is a character, that's for sure. He treats you as a friend, not with a fake smile and over enthusiasm, but with real genuine character - I love that.
His service is complete, and informative. He's really adamant about letting you know about California State Programs that will cover up to $500 in services if your car pops up an engine light which will likely FAIL the emissions test. That's pretty awesome. He's legit, you can tell he's really inspecting everything. You can tell he's not shady in the way as one who will "pass your car". He also has a picture of Einstein on the wall.
He offered a drink from his mini-fridge while I waited in a nice and shaded patio area - it was a beautiful day today too.
When I mentioned YELP he got a kick out of it, and cut a few bucks off my final tab (which was a bit more than the $45 that is noted on this site - no biggie since I drive a truck.)
I dropped a few more bucks as TIP, and he said he'll take it but it will go to a pot to fund low-income gas-caps. That's really cool. Apparently Gas-caps are the only products he's allowed to sell.
I'm really happy with the service (and really happy that my truck passed emissions.) I'm usually nervous about these kinds of things, I'm really glad I went to this guy. -
Review from Micah M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/5/2010
Bill RAWKS. Whatta cool guy. I was dreading taking my pissant Suzuki Swift into the Smog Check place because I had the "check-engine light of doom" staring me in the face. I read the reviews on Yelp, and thought, well - if this guy can't help me, I'm probably screwed.
Of course, I failed the inspection, but Bill helped me apply for the Bar-Cap program and make Cali pay for my repairs. Woohoo! Bill was very organized about it - he even had the envelopes already addressed to the proper locations and everything. Totally painless.
If you need to get your smog check done, don't be a dummy - buckle your safety belt and head over to see Bill @ Arroyo. You'll thank me later! -
Review from Marty C.
Glendale, CA
11/16/2010
Let me state right off that I did not get my car smog checked by Bill. But, I've dealt with him I think six times now, and I've formed a very positive opinion of him. Here's why:
First, I came to him for a smog check. He was so busy, he sent me to Avi's Advanced Auto next door. The reason he was so busy is he had a bunch of customers - what does that tell you? But, even though I didn't pay him anything, he gave me a nice cold drink.
So, I ended up getting my repair done at Avi's. Avi had to order a part for my Acura. But, Avi always seemed to have a bunch of customers waiting on him, too. In fact, he was so busy he was hard to reach on the phone. So, I think three times, probably more, I called Bill who either got Avi or gave him my message. I should add Bill did this cheerfully, remember I didn't pay Bill a penny.
When my car passed its smog test at Avi's, I got another free drink from Bill. He even remembered me by name, even though I wasn't one of his customers! He has an excellent memory. He also seems to know a lot about older cars, because I also own a 1972 Ford Torino, and we spoke for some time about that car and some of the classic cars parked in his lot. When I have to take my next smog test in 2 years, you know where I will be going! -
Review from Ducer J.
Los Angeles, CA
3/20/2009
Well, I saw the review on yelp and thought to try Arroyo Smog out.
Bill is a guy and very personable.
HOWEVER, he didn't do such a good job and was not thorough.
I had failed the smog at his shop last week, then today, I went to another reputable smog shop and it passed. NOW, I have not touched or had my car fixed in anyway after being smogged at Arroyo Smog so the car and all the specs are the same as when I brought it to Arroyo.
From what I know, Bill didn't perform the test correctly.
1. He let my car sit for too long and it got cold.
2. He didn't know how to shift gears correctly while performing the test at 15mph
3. He didn't use a fan to give the car good cool intake air.
4. He didn't even try to do a Free retest and charged me $48 bucks.
5. It was cool that Bill did all that BAR/CAP program paper thing for me, but My CAR didn't even need all that. It only failed insignificantly/minor thing and if Bill know more knowledge about Cars and Smog, he would just ran it correctly.
He's a good person and from what I hear he's a okay and even offered a soda.
But my issue is that he charged for Failing and not really taking the time to do it right. He was more concerned about the BAR/Cap program and signing me up instead of just taking a minute or two to do the test correctly. Why would I need the BAR/CAP Program if my car just passed with flying colors at different smog LEGALLY.
And I only paid like $40 bucks at the new smog for passing.
My NOX level was like over 1000 and when I retested it at this new location where the guy KNEW what he was doing, It had only measure 80 NOX. WTF??
How can Arroyo smog performing the same test, measure 1000???
1000+ and 80 NOX is a damn large range. Bill missed out an important detail somewhere~~~ -
Review from Nate F.
Glendale, CA
7/11/2007
Why do I always wait until the last second to do my smog checks? Anyways, I found this place on the web and tried it out and was happy with the outcome.
It's off Figueroa in LA, what seemed like Highland Park? I don't know, at some point all the little cities blur into a blob when you get into industrial areas. Anyways, his place is in the back of one of those automotive repair industrial strips. A guy named Bill.
Bill owns and runs the place, and his shtick is getting your car to pass, and if it don't pass, he'll do what he can to make sure you don't have to pay much for the repairs by helping you figure out which forms to send to the government for getting your smog repairs subsidized. I don't know about how well that works, because I repaired my own car before coming here and it checked out ok.
There's a little seating area where you can wait, and he's got some drinks in a small fridge for ya while you nervously await your car's smog check.
The great thing about Bill is he's really upfront with you about what's going on with your smog check, what's wrong with your car, etc. He wants your business the next time you need a smog check, so that's great. He takes a different level of pride in his work because he's the owner.
His smog checks are really competitively priced too, as cheap as I've seen around town, which is good. Unfortunately, he really doesn't take appointments, so you just have to show up and wait, although he usually only takes about 15-20 minutes per client, and he'll tell you how long till you're up to bat and how long your check will take.
If you need a smog check, this is a decent place to get it done. If he just cleaned up his shop a bit and made the waiting area a little nicer, this would be a 5 store place, but the service should warrant 5 stars by itself. -
Review from Joe D.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2008
When you find a needle in a haystack sometimes you are hesitant to tell anyone. There is a part of you that knows that if you tell the world about somewhere that is exceptional that in a few years, it will be impossible to take advantage of it again. On the other hand, there is a part of you that believes that service that goes beyond all expectations in the world deserves as much success as possible.
That is how I feel about this place. I know that I won't add much to this set of reviews that hasn't been said before. I also know that by adding to the reviews, it might mean that I may have to wait in an extra long line to have my car smog checked the next time around but Bill and Arroyo Smog Check deserve it.
You will feel the same way. I pulled my car into the Arroyo Smog Check and was treated like I was King Koopa. I was directed to a mini-fridge full of sodas and water and a little patio area surrounded by green plants and chock full of magazines. I sipped my water and took in the gorgeous green landscape and read a few articles in Time magazine. I took a short five minute power nap as well. It was amazing how comfortable and peaceful I could be with Figueroa traffic whizzing by a few feet away.
Bill educated me on tire pressure, spark plugs and even gave me some solid career advice. I didn't know about the yelp discount but he gave me a few bucks back and a punch card for my girlfriend and family to get their smog check as well.
This was, without a doubt, the best experience I have ever had with car maintenance. I am thinking of getting the dent in my car repaired here just because I like these guys so much.
Go here. They deserve your money. I don't even understand why people gave them anything less than five stars. Even 4 stars is short changing this Highland Park Oasis.
Thanks again, Bill!Listed in: My NEW NEW Neighborhood
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Review from Jennifer M.
Downingtown, PA
2/11/2008
Fantastic experience. Ditto on all of the other reviews (great service, very knowledgable, gives great advice, quick service). And may I add that he was very friendly to my two children and even sent us away with extra bottles of cold water? Who does that anymore? I wouldn't go anywhere else from now on.
Oh, and he gave me a discount because I said I found him through Yelp. -
Review from Andrew J.
Oakland, CA
9/5/2009
One of the most annoying aspects of being a car owner is the inevitable dealings with the archetypical "Shady Car Repair Guy". Since most of us don't know enough about car maintenance to defend ourselves from fraud, these bastards are able to get away with murder, gouging prices and charging for completely unnecessary repairs.
Well, it comes as a welcome surprise that your proverbial breath of fresh air would come at a place called Arroyo Smog.
Bill at Arroyo is one of those rare souls who seems to have genuinely found his dharma. Acting as a sort of automobile vigilante sherpa type, he patiently and clearly explains all the ins and outs of both your car, and the remarkably intricate web of state and federal smog laws. His prices might not be the lowest, but the experience is unparalleled. He'll walk you through every step of the test, tell you how much it'll be (mine was around $50), explain various government programs that will pay to have your car brought up to code, and even offer you a cold soda and a shady spot to sit while the test is running.
I'd recommend this little place to anybody needing a smog test, or desiring a welcome respite from the usual unpleasantness of car maintenance. -
Review from Dolly v.
San Gabriel, CA
3/12/2010
Wonderful guy and wonderful place! Went here a few months ago and forgot to review this place...
He'll take his time to explain everything to you in detail. He's pretty knowledgeable.
He's extremely helpful and genuinely seems to care about his customers.
Even offers you refreshments! :) lol -
Review from Sam D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/21/2009
When I got my auto registration renewal, it came with a notice that I was required to get a smog check at Test Only station. I took my car to Arroyo after seeing all the favorable Yelp reviews. Like so many others, my car didn't pass. But that's no fault of the test station or its owner, Bill. If your car does fail and needs work to pass the smog test, he really goes the extra mile to help you get accepted into a state subsidized repair program with the least out-of-pocket cost possible.
I have to admit the thought crossed my mind that somehow there might be some kind of scheming going on. There were just SO-O many cars being tested here that failed and whose owners were being ushered through the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) program to get state funded smog repair subsidies. But when the whole process was over, any doubts I had were completely gone. I'm very satisfied with the service from Bill. Without his knowledge and help, I could have spent $500+ on repairs necessary for the car to pass the re-test. Instead I only paid a $100 deductible and the state picked up the remaining $400+ balance. I had to take the car to a state certified "Gold Shield" repair station about 8 miles away in Pasadena and leave it overnight. But it was worth it.
I would definitely recommend this place for anyone needing a smog test. -
Review from Daisy C.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2008
Found Bill through yelp, and have to agree with many of the other reviews- fast, courteous, and super friendly. Would highly recommend to anybody looking for a Smog Check! Very positive experience.
It's tucked away in back of the auto repair place and off of the road- pleasant little waiting area and the other customers (one ahead of me, and one that arrived after me) I was waiting with were all really nice and friendly to chat to as well! I don't know if he's doing the "Get 3 smog checks, get fourth free" deal anymore though- he didn't mention it, and no Yelp discounts (FYI in reference to the top review).
But either way, awesome place to go, awesome person to deal with, and was out the door for under $50 so it's still a pretty great deal, right? : D -
Review from P L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2010
Man finally found a smog place that is honest and fair price. Bill is very friendly, offers refreshment, and very quick service. My car pass with flying colors, and Bill also told me about how smog process works. My was about 60 bucks, which is pretty standard, but the quality of the time Bill puts in well worth it. He also told me what other problems I had with my car, just to let me know ahead of time. ;p
If you live close by, this is the place to get smog check! -
Review from andrew S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/16/2011
Bill is great. I paid $53 (which included the $5 yelp discount) for my Honda Element. Bill seems to be very knowledgable and will help people who don't pass get into some sort of state-sponsored program that will save you a lot of money.
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Review from Jeffrey G.
Pasadena, CA
5/28/2009
The BEST smog place anywhere. Bill is the most honest, friendly, and talkative guy around. I went there today to get my car smogged. It had failed its last test 2 weeks prior. I told Bill about this and he thoroughly checked over the car even before he set about getting it on the dyno to test.
He walked me through exactly what he was doing as each step of the process began. Furthermore, he was very up front with what his prices were and what I should expect. The area is clean where he works and the free drinks and inviting canopy to sit under are all icing on the cake.
I personally work on cars and enjoyed how Bill never shunned or talked down to any of his customers. He was/is always courteous and willing to go above and beyond what any other smog place would ever dream of doing. This place is hands down the BEST.
*Side note: The coupon on his website is given to you as a laminated card at the end. There is no need to print it off the website. -
Review from Jon N.
Garden Grove, CA
3/30/2008 4 photos
Great place to get your smog check, a very pleasant experience! Much better then the shady Asian places I used to go to around the San Gabriel area. It's normally $60 at the the Asian places but $45 at Bill's place, nice! Plus a cold drink to boot!
Bill is a class act and has that entrepreneur spirit! My only regret is that I only get to see him once every two years :( -
Review from Justin B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/14/2010
A+ Service and that's an understatement.
Bill is probably one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and honestly cares that you get the best deal and the right things done to your car. Even during the test he will come over and talk to you about your options IF you dot happen to pass, and how you might be able to get the work done for free to make it pass.
I came in here because I needed a smog check to renew my registration and the reviews for this place were outstanding! I called ahead to see if an appointment was an option and he said he takes first come first serve only. I decided to drive down and luckily enough there was no one there in front of me so he got to my car immediately. He really takes the time to go over your car and make sure everything is right that would help pass the test. He doesn't try to sell you on new parts or anything because its not an auto shop, just smog station. My car was on the test for about 20minutes tops till the test was done.
Great News! I passed!
Horrible News! My radiator blew up in his garage right as they were getting ready to get it off.. Great... my radiator just blew and now I can't go anywhere.. Some smog inspection this was turning out to be...
Bill took me over to the neighboring auto shop "Avi's Advanced Auto" and told him what had happened. In short Avi was able to help me out that VERY SAME DAY, and had my car fixed in a matter of 4hours (ordering parts, delivery, labor, etc), and for a very fair price. For the Long story check out my review for Avi's Advanced Auto!
Final Word. Arroyo Smog Check and Test Only Center is the best place I could have come to and I will come back in the future and recommend it to any and all. Thanks Bill, your the best!Listed in: AutomoTIPS
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Review from Mary H.
Pasadena, CA
4/24/2010
I found Arroyo Smog Check and Test Center on Yelp and saw the good reviews. It was very encouraging to see that many people had good experiences with Bill, so I decided to see him when my car was due for a smog check.
Bill was very helpful and informative. My car did not pass the smog check which bummed me out, but Bill helped me apply for a CA program that gives assistance to car owners with the same problem I had.
Because I mentioned that I found him on Yelp, Bill gave me a discount. Just like that. He is truly an honest mechanic. Like many folks, I've had many bad experiences with shops that try to rip you off, and it was so cool to find a guy who genuinely wanted to help.
Kudos, Bill. You rock. -
Review from Charles L.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2008
I literally just got back from Arroyo about 5 minutes ago. Here goes:
I found this place because of Yelp. Hey, good auto-technicians of any kind are hard to find, even for simple smog test centers. I also called him up and he offered the $45 web special. This is also cheaper than many of the other smog test centers out there. You might find "cheaper" (i.e. sketchier) ones in the phone book, but the service and peace of mind you get from Bill at Arroyo is worth the difference.
So, I showed up and I was immediately serviced. There was no wait. He had me fill out forms and when he saw my address, thanked me for coming all the way from downtown. He then told me to go to his fridge and get any beverage I wanted and directed me to a shaded sitting area with magazines.
He then proceeded to work on my car, but not before inflating my tires with air, something that my recent oil-change place should have done with their touted 24-point inspection. My ass. He explained to me the benefits of keeping my tires inflated and the pitfalls of not doing so.
Afterwards, he did the smog check, pulled my car out, and sent me on my way. But, not before doing two things: (1) He told me that because my car was older it didn't have a smog regulator thingy, so it will fail smog check sooner than other cars. However, he said not to pay money out of my pocket to get it fixed because the government can provide funding for me. He told me to just give him a call and he'll give me the paperwork and give me instructions to get it taken care of. (2) He also gave me the "do 3 smog checks, get one free" card. Not only that, he asked that I pass the card around to my friends. He said, "it's good word of mouth for me, AND it'll get you to the free smog check sooner."
All told, it was just as pleasant an experience as possible. No worries or anything, and I came away with a bit of edumacation. -
Review from Lana T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/8/2009 1 photo
Edit/Update: I must have been feeling quite lazy when I wrote my review originally. Bill is not just a "nice man." He's a caring, concerned, mildly activist, mildly OCD consumer advocate. If Consumerist had a Smog Check Center of the Year award, I'd nominate Bill & his place immediately. :)
All the good things people have written are accurate as far as I am concerned. A shaded place to sit, a cold beverage (my smog checks are always in July), and a nice man.
It also seems like he's lived in the area all his life, which is cool. -
Review from Sami A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/21/2009
These people were so helpful and friendly. Most auto shops can be a bit intimidating and this one looks like it from the outside but as soon as you step in, it all changes. I would definitely recommend them to anyone.
Also, for those VW owners out there, if you need to get a new catylitic converter, talk to your dealership first because the guy at the shop told me that its under warranty no matter what. Don't waist your money like me getting it replaced when the dealership could have done it for free.
Just a heads up. -
Review from Charles M.
West Covina, CA
2/1/2010
No muss no fuss. Today was my second time at Arroyo Smog Check. It went like clock work. Great service and fast. What more could I ask for? Yes, I asked for the $5 credit for mentioning Yelp and got it.
I will be back and recommend Arroyo Smog to friends and family.
Charles -
Review from Jennifer B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2010
I loved everything about my experience here. I saw the reviews on yelp, called, and Bill said he could take my car immediately.
I went up there that afternoon and found him to be friendly and smart. He liked my dad's old rock tapes, we got to talking, discovered we both have MFAs, and a lot in common. He gave my gentleman friend and I a couple of sodas while we waited and had some flashy magazines in the super cute shaded garden-y area. He worked fast and as soon as he was done, explained the whole process to me and what the numbers meant for how my car would test as it got older.
Bill also said that if I ever need advice in the future about my car, to call him first so I can get an objective opinion before someone tries to rip me off. Nice.
I have no complaints about my experience whatsoever and would wholeheartedly recommend Arroyo for your smog testing needs. Great price, totally non-creepy environment, and really straightforward honest guy. -
Review from Marie I.
Los Angeles, CA
10/17/2008
Quick, great service, and very helpful.
Bill was very helpful and gave me variety of information, including how government pays for the fixing cost if your car fails smog-test.
I didn't have to wait that much. There was another guy in front of me and he also gave me some good information somewhat auto-related.
I highly recommend Arroyo Smog Check and Test Only Center.
You will get more than just a smog test.
I wish all other mechanics are like Bill!! Honest and reliable!! -
Review from nostalgia J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/23/2008
This gentleman knows the meaning of customer service and pride of ownership. He is very helpful, knowlegable, and has that rare quality of social competence! He really want's your business.
The smog is a neccessary evil and a fact of life, and, if the car fails, it can be the beginning of an enormous headache. Let this guy do it for you. He takes care of every thing, and he gives you a soda, a magazine, and a relaxing seat in a pretty little garden area in the middle of the garage yard.
A smog check doesn't get any more pleasant than this. -
Review from Todd S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2008
You will not find a better place to have your vehicle smogged. Bill is very knowledgeable and helpful and even helped me file with the state so I wouldn't have to pay for the repair that was necessary for my vehicle to pass it's smog test.
I have since brought all of may family's cars here (and some friends) and Bill has provided superior service that goes way beyond that of his competition.
He also provided me with a tasty beverage while I waited in his cozy cabana. Simply, He is the best. Be amazed by actually enjoying your smog test experience. -
Review from Annie C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2010
Three stars isn't really a critique as I didn't get my smog there, but I did call ahead to check on the smog price for my older car (1983) and was told that they don't smog any cars built in the 80's (I don't think I saw that info on their website).
So don't go there if you have an older car and call ahead so you don't waste your time and gas.
I found another place that turned out to be great - West Valley Automotive in Alhambra. They smog older cars and the price was way cheaper and they were quick too. No fancy waiting area or drinks though. -
Review from Angel R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/24/2009
Bill is amazingly helpful and knowledgeable. He greeted me with a warm smile while he finished assisting the person before me. I was there 20 minutes tops! I didn't mind waiting longer since I noticed that he was being super attentive to the client before me, showing him how he can qualify for state assistance to make repairs on his vehicle - saving the client at least $700 dollars!
I was already impresses and Bill hadn't even begun the test on my car. I respectfully declined the complimentary drink since it was raining. I took shelter in the seating area and was out of there in no time.
He gave me a discount for mentioning Yelp so it doesn't hurt to try ;) -
Review from Monica G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/11/2009
My husband and I were left with the dilemma of who to take our cars to (that was trustworthy) when our usual smog check center stopped doing smog checks. I decided to do a search on Yelp and found Arroyo Smog Check and Test Only Center, and was I ever glad I did! Not only are they friendly and reasonable, but they also have a cute little outdoor sitting area with plenty of free drinks! I even recommended them to my aunt for the same reason...she was just as pleased as we were. We will continue to take our cars here for future service.
I highly recommend Arroyo Smog and Test Only Center, you will not be disappointed! -
Review from Andrea R.
Pasadena, CA
4/3/2010
I never knew that getting a smog check could be a good experience. But - wow! - Bill made me a believer.
He's personable, friendly, and fast. He genuinely wants people to have a good experience and be treated fairly. He told me to call him if I ever encounter problems with my car. ("If your check engine light comes on and I find out you paid $700 to get it fixed, I will be very sad. Just bring it to me.")
Plus, he encouraged me to call him about marketing my clothing line. Smog test guy + fine artist with knowledge of marketing? This is so magical that I suspect he keeps a unicorn in back. -
Review from Dr. Michael P.
South Pasadena, CA
Updated - 1/29/2011
Bill is honest and provides excellent service. I had my '03 Infiniti FX45 Smog test done here. He was fast and the service was problem free.
I just called to get my '05 Toyota Highlander Smog test done. He told me over the phone that the vehicle does not have a cable linkage to the throttle and could not Smog the vehicle but gave me a recommendation to a Smog place that could nearby.
Thank you again for your excellent work Bill! Cheers!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2009
I got my 2003 Infiniti FX-45 smog test done today with Bill. He is efficient, honest, and charged… Read more »
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