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SV Smog Testing
Category: Automotive Smog Check Stations Smog Check Stations [Edit]
287 N Fair Oaks AveSunnyvale, CA 94085
(408) 746-3858
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Dougg K. said: "GIC Car Clinic is an awesome auto shop. They have excellent customer service. They're honest. And, they drive you home and back to the shop. I was truly shocked when I brought my Lexus in asking for a change of struts and for new…" read more »
125 reviews for SV Smog Testing
125 reviews in English
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Review from Fred S.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/22/2011
As good as reviewed. I called in for my appointment, the new owner promised he will be done in 15 minutes. He finished it in 14 minutes. Charged $57.
Since my car is getting older, her relationship with California DMV is only becoming more intense. These guys at SV Smog really give her the Platinum treatment so that she is back to normal at the earliest.
The neighborhood is a tad low-rent but the value shopper in me always overrules the snooty nose.
Well worth the visit to these guys for the older cars which require lot of attention so that DMV doesn't start owning them. -
Review from Tina S.
12/2/2011
How can you run a business if you're not going to be open when you're supposed to?
Went around 1030 a.m. and they were CLOSED. Sign said be back at 9 a.m. but store hours reflect differently. Yelp says they are open at 7? There is a total disconnect in regards to the hours of operation.
The parking lot is small and full of cars. This place is located on the corner of central and fair oaks. Luckily I passed another smog station on the way so I ended up saving $2 elsewhere! $38 out the door at the 76 station right off 101 and fair oaks.
Now I can go to jack in the box and get 4 tacos! Thanks! -
Review from Jeongha P.
Stanford, CA
9/12/2011
Fast and efficient.
I called ahead and set an appointment. When I got there, that was lunch time and there were two people. The owner works pretty efficiently and finished smog after ~ 20 minutes. He was very polite and explained all my questions and ended up to cost me $47 (with $5 yelp coupon) for my 2002 Sonata. -
Review from AJ H.
San Jose, CA
6/22/2011
I am disapointed in this smog shop. The smog tech was decietful.
DO NOT go here if you have a car with an aftermarket air intake without the DOT sticker.
The smog technician proceeded to take my money and smog my car which passed with flying colors. Only after the complete test did he tell me "your car passed fine, but I'm not going to certify it because you don't have the DOT sticker for your intake."
In my opinion this is shady because, that is one of the first things he should have checked before going about with the test. The "visual" inspection portion is at the top of the form.
In my defense, I had no idea the stickers (which you get from the aftermarket manufacturer) existed. I had even gotten the car smogged 2 years earlier at this same station, and passed with flying colors, with no hassle from the smog tech.
Overall, I feel that instead of taking my money and doing the test only to fail me for no sticker, the tech should have followed procedure which means that he should have seen the intake first, and told mehe would not pass me...then I would not have wasted my money (the DOT sticker was not available from the manufacturer at the time so a retest was not available).
Note: This is not a low rating because he failed me, but rather because of the businesses deceipt.
I'll take my business elsewhere.Comment from Sukhdev D. of SV Smog Testing 7/1/2011
Dear Sir, We are @ 287 N Fair Oaks Ave. On the corner of… More » -
Review from J L.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/24/2012
Bummer, they would've had a return customer. I had my car smogged there in 2010 and needed it this year. They were very nice and gave me a free calendar back then.
But they didn't answer their phone last week for 3 straight days with no outgoing vm msg, and like other reviewers before me said - the sign says back at 9:00 but I arrived Friday morning at 10:00 to find it dark and closed. I ended up going to Fair Oaks Smog instead. -
Review from Tim W.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another great experience with Suhk at SV Smog.
Brought my 2005 Honda Accord here this time. Also cost only $37 out the door, in and out in 15 minutes. Called in advance for a 1:30pm appointment, and he was ready for me when I got there. Fast, professional service just like last time. He even put down a sheet of plastic on my seat before getting in! What more can you ask for from a tech?
I will continue to bring my cars here in the future.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/16/2011
Very fast, professional service.
Found this place on Yelp thanks to all the helpful reviewers!… Read more »
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Review from Jeff Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/9/2011
After reading all the good reviews I'm sorry to report that I did not have a good experience. First I tried to drop in on a Saturday and the shop was closed. Why advertise that you are open on Saturday if you're not?
I decided to try again during the week. I had read a few reviews about the shop being late to open and so I called in yesterday to make an appointment for 9AM today. I showed up around 8:50 hoping they would open a bit early since I needed to get to work but I ended up sitting in my car until 9:45AM before the owner showed up. He didn't apologize for being late and did offer to take $20 off the price after I mentioned that I had been waiting. However, he then saw that I already had the coupon from the website printed out which was already $20 off and I thought he was going to give me an additional $20 off on top of that. In the end, he still wrote me up for the same price as what was listed on the coupon and when I asked about it he didn't budge.
I don't really care how good the service is or how clean the shop is. If you are 45 minutes late to an appointment that you accepted and you are consistently late to open your shop, it is simply irresponsible. Either change your hours or offer real compensation for your customers when you waste their time. I'll probably take my business elsewhere the next time I need a smog check.
Basically, don't bother showing up early in the morning, and call to make sure someone is actually there before you go. -
Review from Laura C.
Fremont, CA
Updated - 4/16/2011
Came here again as I had a second car to do - same great experience.
You almost wish the process would take longer so you would be able to watch more of the movie playing in the waiting room.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/7/2011
This place is clean, fast, professional, and reasonably priced ($37 out the door).
I did get lost… Read more »
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Review from Jeff V.
Redwood City, CA
3/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Super polite, very efficient service.
I had had some trouble finding a smog check location that could deal with my camper, and SV Smog mentioned that they can handle motorhomes, RVs, and commercial trucks on their website, so I headed over there at 10am on a Saturday morning.
He had another car in the works, but stepped away to get me the forms to fill out, and let me know how long I could expect to wait (10 minutes).
The smog check itself was simple -- his equipment can roll out to in front of the testing bay, so big cars like my camper don't have to try to fit inside.
Was back on the road in no time (and, yay, I passed the smog check). -
Review from Oliver C.
San Jose, CA
1/16/2011
Fast and quick and cheap! Didn't have to choose two.
Dropped in on a Saturday, and he was just finishing up with a customer.
Asked him to restart the terminator movie for me, and he did. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, didn't get to watch more than 10-15 minutes.
And reading some of the reviews below, don't expect coupon rates, if you don't have a coupon, just because you happen to be in the waiting room. He's running a business, not a charity. -
Review from Jenifer V.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/7/2008
This place definitely lives up to its 5 stat status!
I was in DESPERATE need of a test only Smog check and had no idea where to go. Being a girl, I'm always afraid of taking my car into any type of place because it's as if I have dollar signs inked on my forehead or something. I decided to look for a place on Yelp and am SO glad I did.
Sukh was AWESOME. I made an appointment for 5:30 on a Friday afternoon, but got there at 5:00 and he took me with no problem. I think I even interrupted his dinner! His shop is CLEAN which is nice. Ditto for the waiting room. He even offered me a soda or water while waiting. He explained what he was going to do and how much it was going to cost and said it would take 15-20 minutes and then he disappeared to his garage.
True to his word, he was back 20 minutes later, smiling, telling me that I passed. Woo hoo! He explained all of my test results, ran my credit card and I was off and on my way.
It was $57 out the door which is in line (and even cheaper) to other places in the area (I called and did some price comparisons before I found Sukh's shop).
Glad I found Sukh and when DMV hits me again with this in the future, I know where I'm going! -
Review from Dani L.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/2/2009
Its that time again...time for another smog check. I found this place on yelp and with five stars to its credit, I had high hopes for SV Smog Testing. However, I'm only giving them two stars out of five for the following reasons:
1) They don't answer their phone. I called multiple times at different times to try to schedule an appointment. It just rang and rang. Even if its just one guy running the place, as some people say, don't you think they'd spend the extra $10 or whatever and get an answering machine?
2) They aren't open when they say they will be. Yelp says the hours are 9:30am-6:30pm. A sign at their business says 9am-6pm. Whatever. They aren't open when they're supposed to be. I went there this morning after 10am and the place was locked up. A little sign on the door said "We'll be back at 9:30." It was almost 10:15am and not a soul in sight. I waited for a while and left. I ended up getting my smog check done at a local gas station.
Maybe this place deserves their five stars, but good luck catching them when they're actually open. Also, check their website before you go...I was going to go last Saturday but found out at the last minute that they were closed in remembrance of someone. Looking at other reviews, it seems like random closures and spur-of-the-moment changes in hours open happen more often than not.Listed in: Auto Care
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Review from Anna L.
7/2/2008
The service at this location is impeccable (spelling??)!
Yelp, you complete me. I wanted a good deal on a Smog test and here is what you gave me. wallahhh!
Only problem was that I initally drove past the place. Nestled between two other businesses, it was hard to see their sign.
When I arrived around 4 pm, I was in and out in 15 minutes. Talk about fast! yeay! -
Review from Patrick W.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/29/2006
This is a test-only smog station in middle Sunnyvale. I found the service to be very quick and courteous. Right now you can print out a $20 coupon on their website; however, when I went in, they give the coupon price regardless. The price for everything with the $20 off was $56, a pretty good price for smog testing.
My car passed, incidently. I am so clean. -
Review from Kenji Y.
Cupertino, CA
6/15/2007 7 photos
Just got back from this place and very satisfied.
Ad on craigslist said no appointment necessary so I showed up without an appointment expecting a wait, but they got right to work.
Offered a cold bottled water because of the heat and also gave me the remote to watch tv and relax. After the smog check was done, worker took the time to explain how my car performed and what the requirement/average is.
Very professional and easy going and highly recommended. -
Review from Bea M.
Santa Clara, CA
10/3/2007
So, I was desperate to get a smog check done on my car, because DMV threatened me to not send me my registration sticker until I did. I was driving with expired tags for a couple of months so it was time.
You can't really go wrong with this place. I mean, all they do is smog test, so there is very little room for screw-ups. I went in on Saturday morning without an appointment, and I was the only customer. I was out in less than 20 mins and I got a free bottle of water. Total cost was $45 and now I'm happy to be driving legally again. Good for me. -
Review from Al D.
Santa Clara, CA
7/6/2007
Glad I read about this place here!
I dropped in, no appointment, about 6:25 (they close at 7) and he said he'd take me before he closed. Didn't need the physical coupon to get the $20 off posted pricing. Great business attitude, gave cold drinks to the last 2 of us, was out the door in less than an hour. -
Review from Cathy N.
San Jose, CA
12/30/2008
This review is based on a phone call I made to SV Smog Testing earlier this month when I was searching for a good smog place for my car. I saw the impressive amount of 5-star reviews that SV Smog Testing had garnered on Yelp and gave them a call for the price 411 on smog for my car. I found the person who took my call to be forthcoming and super polite. He ended every sentence with "Ma'am"- teehee. I suppose I should be outraged (since, you know, I am still young and "hip" like that), but I appreciated the politeness. :)
Despite that though, I ended up taking my car elsewhere since the "elsewhere" was only $19.95 (with coupon), and I am nowhere near ballin' right now (in fact, I may be so broke a$$ right now that I probably couldn't even afford a ball...not even a meatball, or a snowball....). The other place maybe wasn't as nice? as this one, but it was closer, got the job done, and I saved about $20-25, so that was VERY exciting for me. Good times in Smog Check Land!
I think I'd go to SV Smog Testing if I had a little more dough and could, just to support an honest business (based on what everyone says).
...stay tuned for my next review when I finally divulge the identity of the "elsewhere, " as well as who shot JR.... -
Review from My N.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2007
I agree with the other Yelpers. Sukh is great -- he's thorough, friendly, & professional. My car did not pass the visual inspection the first time, he showed me where one of the hoses was cracked and let me know how it can be fixed. Re-testing was free (and it passed the second time. Yay!)
Complimentary drinks (bottled water or soda) on top of the great service as well! -
Review from Paula T.
Mountain View, CA
11/20/2007
Fantastic. I was able to get a same day appointment, and Sukh was extremely flexible, (and understanding when i was ten minutes late for my appointment--whoops.) I was in 'n' out in, like ,15 minutes, and I was watching a movie while I waited, so time flew. It was $45 bucks out the door, and there are coupons online at http://www.svsmog.com. I'd definitely recommend.
** Note, it's somewhat easy to miss, 'cause there are like four businesses in one tiny area. It's on the corner opposite K&L Diner. -
Review from Kym L.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/19/2007
Service was excellent, the guy was really friendly, polite and honest... and I like how when he say "your car will be ready in 20 mins"... he REALLY meant 20 Minutes... The shop is really clean (he mention that he cleans the entire place every Sunday, I was there on a Saturday and it's still almost spotless)...
The location is a little weird though... it's across the road from K & L Diner and in the same lot as an oil change place... (fair oaks and arques).. the sign on the street isn't very obvious and I was kinda confused cause it just said "SMOG".. plus I almost missed it because it was kinda hidden at the back.
Overall, he gave me a pretty good deal.. no wait.. $45 out the door (including certificate/electronic transfer fee)... definitely would go back to his shop in the future.. -
Review from Tracy R.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/6/2007
I was driving around at lunchtime a couple of weeks ago, and suddenly had a moment of clarity telling me that my car registration was due for renewal in a couple of days and I hadn't yet gotten my mandatory smog check. O noes! Luckily, just then I passed SV Smog Testing, so I pulled in. They were able to accomodate me right away. I walked off to grab lunch, and by the time I returned (maybe 25 minutes later), they were done.
I even had some time left to hang out with the awesome parrot that belongs to the guys in the next garage - I think her name's Lulu. At the slightest invitation, she clambered up onto my arm and shoulder like we'd been friends for years ( I hear she's not quite that friendly with guys, though). I'd come back just to visit with her again. -
Review from Eric N.
San Jose, CA
5/24/2008
I used Yelp to find a good test only smog shop and wound up getting two cars tested today at SV. Honda Accord, no problem.
Then I told them I had an '84 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce (uh-oh). After we all stopped smiling, they suggested that before bringing it in to make sure I had the correct octane in the tank, car properly warmed up...etc. When I brought it later in the day I told them that I had also stopped and lit a candle at St. Joseph's. Suffice it to say it passed.
In short, these guys know what they're doing and are pros. Happy to recommend SV Smog Testing and thanks to the Yelp reviewers that steered me here in the first place. -
Review from Jon W.
Mountain View, CA
3/24/2007 1 photo
Friendly and fast, courteous and professional, everything explained.
I liked that you could watch the test, get explanations of the results, and get a re-test for free if you don't pass. Also, the results are sent automatically to the DMV. -
Review from Joe C.
4/30/2009
Just like everyone else...5 stars!
Drove an extra couple miles just to go to this place based on the reviews and I am extremely satisfied!
There was just one person in front of me which cost me 5 minutes but then the entire check was about 10 minutes long. The technician was very extensive and professional..even entertaining my dumb questions about what he was doing. He even went over the printout and showed me my stats vs the acceptable norms.
Overall, very thorough, pleasant, professional, and efficient! =) -
Review from Anya R.
1/29/2010 2 photos
Oh Yelp you did it again!
I got my DMV papers to get a smog test and luckily I could have gone to any place because it was only a Smog Certification required and not a Smog Certification required at a Test only station.
This place happens to be a test only station as well but I could have gone to any of them that had smog testing.
This place is less than a mile from my house and work so it was convenient and had plentiful and good ratings.
I'm glad they had a website because they offered a 5.00 off coupon so make sure you print that out before you go!
I called at 8:20AM to see how long it would take for a smog test and how long the wait would be and they said 20 minutes and no wait! Perfect!
Got there and was helped by a gentleman named Winchester. I went Friday morning so no one was there. Its easy to find- across the street from Chevron and there are other car things in that plaza too.
Filled out some paperwork, broke down the pricing and paid after the test. Thankfully I passed! yay.
The test is 46.75 but I had 5.00 coupon so 41.75
8.25 for the certificate
2.00 for electronic transfer so it could automatically go to the DMV and will be valid for 90 days. How convenient!
My total was 52.00 - don't know if this is expensive or not but seemed fine.
While I was waiting for the smog test I was in this room that had a little flat screen TV, water, and was warm. I had my book with me so it went by fast.
Def recommend this place! Call advance in case they get busy tho!
Their hours are pretty convenient. 8am to 6pm on weekdays and Sat hours too.
OH and at the end the guy asked me if I wanted a complimentary calender.. haha. kinda random but its actually a nice one! I thought it was gonna be mechanic stuff but it was on wildlife with their logo on it. Again. RANDOM. haha -
Review from Kaz S.
Cupertino, CA
11/17/2008
As other reviewers have said, Excellent service, fast and no hassle so I'll be coming back here again.
$45, out the door.(may depend on the car) Very professional service, very honest!
Highly recommended. -
Review from Eric Tom L.
Cupertino, CA
5/28/2010
I came here before with a couple other vehicles I've owner so I went out of my way to go here.
Anyways, there were NO open parking spaces so I pulled up next to their empty bay with my hazards on. I opened the door and the guy was a total d bag. He was very rude TELLING me to move my car. I couldn't hear anything he was saying because the hydraulic tools from the shop next door and some idiot in a muscle car getting all rev happy. Anyways, the guy (who was NOT the same who helped me the previous times) started yelling at me in front of 3 other people. Like seriously?!!! Never again. -
Review from Rachelle R.
San Jose, CA
3/22/2009
After all the great, raving reviews, I attempted to get my Smog check here. I'm sure this place is great...if you can get a hold of someone. I came here last Saturday 10 minutes before opening at 9am to make sure I was first in line. Tick tock...9:15am still no one. Ok, I'll wait 5 more minutes. Still no one. So I call and leave a message to make an appointment for a possible opening. No call back. Since I have to get my Smog check done by the end of the month, I call the following Saturday. After 3 attempts, no one picks up. They need to update their hours if they're closed on Saturdays. Humph!
*I ended up getting my Smog check done at Downtown Smog Center in Mtn View. Someone picked up the phone and the service was great. Finally, I can get my stickers! -
Review from Big K.
Fremont, CA
8/3/2009
I give it a 3 out of 5 because I have no standards for smog places of what constitutes a 5 or a 1. All I can say is...
1. $45 is a good prices. Most places are more $
2. If you need a smog place that will "hook you up" (you can assume whatever you want about that statement), then this is probably not the place you want to go to. Seems very legit when they inspect, and it seems like they do a very close inspection...thank goodness my car has zero problems.
So, if all you have a well kept car with no mods, and all you need is a routine smog, then this place is okay. If you need something more, then this might not be for you. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
San Jose, CA
9/6/2011
Fantastic quick service, very polite over the phone! Also nice that the waiting area was neat and clean. I do plan to bring our other car here for it's own checkup.
So glad I used Yelp to find this place! -
Review from C S.
San Jose, CA
5/14/2008
"$40 out of door" is hard to beat in Sunnyvale. This place is very clean and neat. Good service. Sukh (manager) leaves you in a clean lobby room with a flat screen TV with a remote control and a fan with hi-setting on a hot day while you wait for 15 minutes-that's a plus. Everybody spoke perfect English-priceless!
I give this place 4 stars. The gentleman customer ahead of me got a verbal explanation of the passing results but I didn't when I paid, 'cuz I'm a lady??? Also, Sukh tried to rip me off an extra $5 in person telling me it's $45 when he told me it would be "$40 out the door" on the phone when I called him just 2 hours before I went to his shop to which he denied. When I showed him a printout of his own Craigslist posting ($29.75 inspection fee + $8.25 DMV certificate + $2 transfer fee = $40), he offered his service to me for $40 without hesitation.
Do I recommend it? Sure! Just bring the Craigslist posting. -
Review from Sagar A.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/17/2009
Easily best place around in Sunnyvale.
$45 out of pocket with electronic report to DMV, no surprises.
I called them for appointment, but still had to wait for like 5 minutes for another car before me. But the guy was very kind & attentive, they have a nice & air conditioned small waiting area, took like 15-20 minutes for the smog check :)
Never going to another place... -
Review from Miss Bonnie B.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 3/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Go online to their website and print a coupon. It was a good value, quick, and easy. What else could I ask for?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/30/2009
He says :
I came here on a Saturday at around 3 pm. I did call but there was no answer. Why? I… Read more »
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Review from Cindy M.
Cupertino, CA
4/24/2008
Thx yelp!
I found this shop through Yelp. It saves my time to search the Test-only station and does help my decision.
Sukh had completed the test in 15 minutes. it costs $57. (not bad, right?)
Thx everyone to provide any useful information for us! -
Review from Junius H.
Minneapolis, MN
8/24/2007
Fast, courteous and extremely helpful, I would recommend this to anyone in the area. I came with both online coupons and the technician, Sukh, recommended that I use the $20 off one, since he expected my car to pass. He was very polite and accommodating, giving me a time estimate and then directing me to the waiting area. There I was given full, unadulterated access to the television remote and even offered a beverage.
After watching the Jones family completely own the Martinez family for three straight rounds, Sukh came back with some results. He apologized for the delay (took an extra 10 minutes) but explained that my car had failed the first time around. Rather than just failing me and sending me down a costly path of corrective action, he reran the test and the second time around, I passed with flying colors.
$57 and 25 minutes later, I've completed my registration renewal and I'm recommending to Yelpers and friends alike! -
Review from Mark G.
Elk Grove, CA
6/13/2007
Another Yelp assist!!
I needed to smog my Corolla for the DMV registration, and this place got good reviews. I went on Craigslist and indeed found a $28 special (+ certificate fee, around $8). All you need to do is mention the Craigslist special to get the deal.
Anyhow, the tech was very courteous and efficient. He explained the process and even gave me tips on how to fix my broken electronic window. The whole thing only took 20 minutes, and the final charge was $41 out the door. Fantastic! I'll never go anywhere else for my smog test needs. -
Review from Gianluca V.
San Jose, CA
2/17/2009
5 stars, not only because my 2008 Dodge Charger R/T (5.7L V8...) passed with 0 (ZERO!!!!) emissions, but also because they were lightning quick (I arrived at 9.15, and I was served right away! 15 minutes later, I was on my way to work!!!!!!!!!
Very professional and corteous staff. -
Review from Edward M.
Los Gatos, CA
6/16/2008
Found this SV Smog via Yelp. The other 5 star reviews are accurate. Great and quick service. About as good and quick as a smog experience could be.
(Edit: I only waited a few minutes, and I didn't have an appointment. Also they have a very clean bathroom for a shop. Ok and a flatscreen TV.) -
Review from Dave L.
Los Altos, CA
9/6/2008
Wow. I wish every business could do it this way. They get it.
In. Out. 25 minutes.
I had a special case. Old car, needed extra tests which cost another $20. I asked for the pre-test before which cost an extra $20 (it's a great idea to get a pre-test with an old car -- message me to ask why).
My final bill was about $100 which was what I was expecting.
He's fast. VERY professional.
Free WIFI.
This was my second time and it was just as good as the first.
5 stars.
