Monterey Test Only

Needed to get my car smog tested to register in CA. Ken was very friendly, helpful and quick. I got there about 12:05 and he had me on my way by 12:20. No appointment, no waiting. Just really courteous service.

Right off the back, the auto square is straight shady! Their shop is right on the corner so you wont have to venture into the ‘bend you over before dinner’ mechanic shops (I’m looking at you J&J). Just as the newer reviews suggested, Ken was awesome and quite a character. He was very knowledgeable offered additional resources/​recommendations for some issues with my car. And just like every other ‘no pass no pay’, you pay upfront and get a free retest; so bring $ 50 to cover it all. All in all, it was a pleasant experience.
Pro tip: You might have to below a hobo for a parking spot.

I called because I sent a customer to this smog station because they were having problems with passing visual. All parts on the car were completely factory without even having been replaced with O’Reilly’s or Autozone parts. When I called to explain to the technician this (he was stating that the car had aftermarket headers, it did not). While on the phone, the gentleman became belligerent and started cursing me out. He then called me 10 minutes later and began cursing me again stating he got my license plate number and told me he knows who I am and that I had better watch my back.
Threats and cursing are extremely unprofessional and uncalled for. I say never go here. There is no reason for any business to do this.
If I could give a zero star review, I would.

I came here recently to smog my car because I used to bring my car (and my dad’s) to this other place in Mountain View, but they told me Ken had quit and left. Luckily, the neighboring shop told me where he went as they now moved their account to over there to continue working with him. Great customer service as usual at the new shop, and I already trusted Ken from my previous experiences with him before. Everything here is comparable to other smog places (price, etc.) but Ken gives you peace of mind that you’re not being ripped off or mislead. Waiting room was just «ok» here, but I didn’t spend much time there. Parking lot is a little busy (read: packed) but Ken makes sure to drive and face your vehicle out so you can leave the lot easily. Very considerate. Overall, I highly recommend this shop if you want to smog your car with complete peace of mind.

I was a little hesitant to give this smog shop a chance, since nearly all the previous reviews are low. I gave it a try though, since it was near the area I was going to be working with a majority of clients for that day. I was also given a favorable review of this place by a family friend (they had been taking their cars there for years), so I figured it couldn’t hurt.
It’s located in a plaza, right at the front. It’s next door to a place called Tee-​1 Auto Repair (I believe they are two related businesses).
When I pulled up to the shop, a guy named Ken came out to help me. He was straight forward, knowledgeable, and overall a really nice guy. As this was the first time I ever had to smog my vehicle, he was so patient with me and answered all my questions. He even told me what to expect from the DMV, what happens afterwards, etc. I was very impressed with his genuine desire to make sure I was satisfied and happy. He said he’s the current (and only) smog tech there and he started a few months back. In any case, I think the old techs may have contributed to the poor reviews. Ken had me in and out in a reasonable amount of time, and the price can’t be beat (it’s very competitive). Will definitely continue to be a repeat customer in the future.

The gentleman who helped me out over the phone was so curtious and helpful! I don’t know his name but I believe he is the owner. Because of the type of vehicle I drive I often feel I get gouged and others think that because I am a woman I am clueless. This was definately not the case with Monterey Test Only. Not only did I receieve fast and friendly service, the guy gave me a great deal. I will ONLY take my cars to get smoged here in the future and will recomend them to everyone I know :))

Beware! If you don’t know much about cars ‚(my husband is the car guy) and you are trying to get you older car smogged DO NOT got here, they will try and take advantage of you. told me the Car wouldnt pass smog unless he fixed it for a price, took it to another station after telling my husband what had happen. it passed no problem. RIP OFF!!!

Went here today to get my car smogged. Printed out a coupon that said 25 $ smog, plus EVAPA cert cost (which is 14.95 in my experience). Got there, said there were 3 cars ahead of me, I waited for about 30 minutes. After driving my car up on the rollers, and saying I had a coupon, he looks at it, almost confused. I got it off of YOUR OWN website. Don’t act confused. He said it would cost 50 $ out the door. 25 plus 15 is not 50. I decided I didn’t care and I would still pay it. He then pops my hood, looks at my engine, and says that because I’m a state certified BAR swap that he wont do it. I ask why, because I went to great lengths to keep this swap within regulations. Turns out all my stuff is in order, he just doesn’t want to do the work because it would take too much time. Well thanks for wasting my time. Not only does this place try to gouge on coupons, but also refuses to do work the state has set out for them to do.
Also no parking anywhere.

Found the place searching for a «no pass, no pay» smog station because, frankly, I wasn’t positive it was going to pass. Parking was was limited and it was difficult to find the office but the technician was very approachable and the job took no time at all. In and out for about $ 40 with smog certificate.

hard to find parking, smog tech is friendly and smog check was done in a timely fashion. would come back for future smog checks!

Is it possible to give a place zero stars? Because this place is SHADY!!! I mean, I’m all about local mom and pop businesses, but consider this scenario:
I call monterey test only and ask them how much is a smog check and certification. The girl over the phone says «$ 40». And I say cool, and hang up. Since I have a coupon from
for $ 25 off, it SEEMS like the best deal for a test only smog station. So I head on over. I get there and the little girl over the phone meets me and instantly asks «Did you call, what year is your car?» I tell her its a 96 honda civic and show her the coupon. She says hold on, runs to the back, then comes and says «You never said you had coupon when you call so price is $ 75 with coupon». I look at her bewildered and say «really?» And she gives me the shoosh sign wwith her hand and walks away.
Now that is shady business that I don’t recommend to anybody.