Auto repair shop - SANTA BARBARA SMOG SHOP

76 reviews

601 E GUTIERREZ ST, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103

Phone (office)

+1 (805) 568-0400

Working hours

Sunday Not working
Monday 08:30 - 18:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 18:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00
Thursday 08:30 - 18:00
Friday 08:30 - 18:00
Saturday Not working

5

76 total

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(2)

(74)

15/06/2014

Blanca Leticia Castillo

Source: FBOOK

03/04/2014

Enrique Ibarra

Source: FBOOK

02/02/2014

Dioni Garcia

Source: FBOOK

06/01/2014

Daniel Nunez

Source: FBOOK

02/10/2013

Mitchell Hernandez

Source: FBOOK

10/09/2013

Ricardo Arroyo

Source: FBOOK

31/08/2013

Mario Rojas

Source: FBOOK

08/08/2013

Los HermanosCruz De Guanajuato

Source: FBOOK

20/04/2010

Great place to get your car worked on

I have always taken my car here to smog checks and mechanical services and I have never had any problems. I totally recommed this place to all my friends.

Angie0131

Source: CSEAR

28/02/2012

Best place for a Smog Check

My Husband and Father in Law suggested that I go see Ricardo at Santa Barbara Smog Shop. Called and made an appointment, showed up and met Ricardo. I was in and out within 15-20 minutes. Pricing was great and friendly service. I would…

KSSquared

Source: CSEAR

16/02/2012

The place to go for a smog check!

I have been taking both of my cars to the Santa Barbara Smog Shop for more than ten years.\r \r Service is always prompt and friendly and first rate. I can recommend Santa Barbara Smog Shop to everyone in town.

Volvo and VW Driver

Source: CSEAR

04/08/2016

Ricardo has tested all my cars for many years. He runs a fair and honest shop I'm always glad to use him. He doesn't have a lobby or complimentary services, it's a bit rustic there, but he'll get you done fast and always makes time for his customers. My favorite shop for this reason.

Christian Maurer

Source: GPLAC

03/08/2016

Exceptional service that is both fast and friendly. They do the seemingly impossible task of balancing speed, efficiency, quality and genuine customer care that isn't the least bit fake or forced. This is the only smog shop you'll ever need.

Justin Rizzo-Weaver

Source: GPLAC

11/07/2016

Called these guys at 10:30AM. Got an appointment at 11:30AM. Drove in, they did the smog test and fixed a broken brake light. I was out by noon.

Joe Fior

Source: GPLAC

11/06/2015

I go through cars quite (2years...) often so have used this service a few times and service is always excellent and friendly!

Alicia Huhn

Source: GPLAC

18/12/2015

They know everything about cars and totally nice people.

Todd Birns

Source: GPLAC

11/07/2016

2016 - My third time using this shop for smog services and Ricardo is top notch. He is fast, friendly and professional. Thanks for another wonderful experience! I wouldn't go anywhere else!
Don't forget to use your Yelp discount!
Thanks Ricardo!

Mary T.

Source: YELP

23/02/2016

Amazing, Ricardo and the employees can juggle. I had to park on the side originally, there were so many cars there and yet I was out in 20 minutes. He was so fun to talk to, I ended up just sitting and chatting instead of going on a walk. He gave me five bucks off for mentioning Yelp, and even agreed to a free retest for me, which wasn't part of the original deal I looked up. I got a few recommendations for a smog place, but looked them up and found they had awful reviews, so I decided to go with this one and I'm glad I did.
Once I got home, I asked my boyfriend if he thought I got a good deal and made the right choice, having himself smogged so many cars in the last year alone. He said Wow, this is the guy I would have told you to go to. Ricardo made sure that I backed out safely, even took a picture for me, and let me know that I could go to Triple A instead of the DMV to register my car. This man saved me from going to the DMV, I call that a hero! He made an excellent recommendation of a tire place to the man before me as well. I am simply amazed at Ricardo

Amanda L.

Source: YELP

04/12/2015

After three attempts to repair my car crazy amounts found in this garage Ricardo the owner immediately examined the car gave me a great price and great service!
After 3 hours the employee came to pick me up from the house to the garage so I pay and pick up my car Very professional work fast and most importantly honesty of the owner Definitely I will return to this garage will recommend to everyone Thank you!!!!

Roi B.

Source: YELP

17/03/2016

My husband needed a smog check for his car so I checked the Yelp reviews. This one had the best so he took his car here. He was really impressed with the price and how efficient they were. Now it's time to take my car in so we will be using them again and recommending SB Smog Shop to our friends.

Julie M.

Source: YELP

11/07/2016

I'm very happy with the service I received at Santa Barbara Smog Shop. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes and the price was unbeatable for a smog check! I'm bringing all my vehicles here from now on. Good job guys!

William B.

Source: YELP

23/02/2016

I have used these guys for years! I pass everytime, which i know has nothing to do with the business itself since they don't make the rules, but they are always very professional. Parking is a bitch but it is worth it.

Jessica S.

Source: YELP

14/07/2015

Santa Barbara Smog Shop is the best smog shop experience I've had since living in Santa Barbara for the past 20 years! I highly recommend this shop. Ricardo is very kind, extremely honest, and gets you in and out of his shop within 20 minutes. I've had some of the worst experiences at other local shops- these "technicians" that tell me my car is a "gross polluter," and that I need to pay some ungodly amount to have it looked at, repaired, try to get me to go through the CAP program (so they can get even more $$$ in their pocket), and then once I bring my car to the state referee it passes without any issues.
It's been hard to find a decent and honest shop in town and Ricardo is the man you want to see. His equipment is up to date and my car passed without any issues. Make an appointment with Ricardo and he'll get you in and out in no time. He even put air in my tires and stepped out into the road to signal me when it was clear to back out. Excellent service!! Thank you, Ricardo!

Stacy G.

Source: YELP

23/02/2016

Quick service. It took about 15 minutes. The owner was pleasant to interact with. There is good seating. I'd go back for sure.

Victoria B.

Source: YELP

25/01/2016

Very fast and friendly! I was there less than twenty minutes for a smog! The owner also made sure the street was clear before backing out!

Jamie S.

Source: YELP

23/07/2015

Ricardo helped me out with my smog check, knew exactly where the key problem points are for inspection on a 3 series BMW and even intelligently and quickly outsourced part of the job that needed electronic calibration to the guys down the street, then checked it the next day and it was a go.
I would recommend him and he saved me a bunch of money, plus my car drives great now!

Patrick W.

Source: YELP

07/02/2016

I was very happy to find place for smog there very fast and very professional with everything and Ricardo was very nice for help me pass my smog test

Enrique I.

Source: YELP

27/01/2016

I 100% recommend Santa Barbara Smog Shop. I came to them with an issue with my evap system that was keeping my car from passing smog. They quickly identified and repaired the issue. They are a shop with integrity and do not try to take advantage of their customers like other repair shops I have encountered. They are straight to the point and fix what needs to be fixed! I will be returning to them for all of my smog/repair needs!

Katie G.

Source: YELP

13/07/2015

The staff is very professional, quick, and friendly. I just showed up and was on my way in 20 min.

Steven D.

Source: YELP

20/01/2015

My car needed smogging so I checked out the reviews on Yelp and on Santa Barbara's
for the best place to go. Both sites clearly indicated that Santa Barbara Smog Shop was the best, and the reviews were so good that my expectations were extremely high when I pulled my car in.
But in spite of high expectations, I have to tell you that I was blown away with better service and a much more pleasant experience than I have ever had at any smog shop. The owner, Ricardo, gave my car immediate attention, and I was out of there in 15 minutes. It's likely it would have been faster, as I went for a 15 minute stroll.
The price was great, the service was fantastic, Ricardo was a gentleman and a pro, and for frosting on the cake, he directed traffic while I backed out, as traffic was busy at rush hour. What a great guy!
I wholeheartedly recommend Santa Barbara Smog Shop, as they'll dish out great service with a great attitude, and they will probably do it in half the time and a lower price than any other smog shop in town. Thank you, Ricardo, for the amazing service and the great price.

Rich C.

Source: YELP

10/09/2015

Had to get my wife's Honda smogged so I stopped in and I was out the door fast. The guys working there are friendly, quick and knowledgeable. I wouldn't think twice about recommending this place to a friend.

j h.

Source: YELP

15/11/2015

Fast service friendly staff best price in town
We have been going here for about 10 yrs now Ricardo always will take you in
He will ha e you in and out in about 10 if not to busy

Local L.

Source: YELP

12/07/2015

The best customer service ever. Ricardo and his son made us feel welcome and wanted. They even went so far as to stop traffic for us so we could back out of their lot. Friendly, fast, and helpful: This is where you need to go in SB for a smog check!

Sasay A.

Source: YELP

05/11/2015

Fast service. Very friendly. They even stop traffic on Gutierrez St. for you do you can back out safely.

Charla B.

Source: YELP

26/08/2015

My beloved 3-cylinder 1992 Geo Metro wouldn't quite pass smog, even though it was very low in emissions. Friendly, patient Ricardo suggested some actions that got me to pass. Whew! Thank you! PS Ask nicely for a Yelp discount.

Steve H.

Source: YELP

20/02/2016

Great service at a reasonable price by Ricardo and his son Christian! Definitely our new go to place for a smog check!

Cyndi B.

Source: YELP

01/06/2015

Ricardo was excellent. He took my car when he said he could and it was ready and passed inspection in the 15 minutes as expected. Also stopped traffic in front of the shop so I could back out easily and be on my way. A+ across the board!

Misha K.

Source: YELP

28/01/2016

What motivated me to post my first Yelp review? Five-star service, of course! I made an appointment for a weekday and the smog test was done in less than 20 minutes. Ricardo and his employee were friendly and efficient, and as other Yelpers have mentioned, Ricardo uses a stop sign so you can back out onto the street without worrying about running into something. But the fifth star is because Ricardo *asked* me if I had the $5 Yelp coupon! This is my second time coming here, and I will be back in 2 years!

Lisa L.

Source: YELP

13/07/2015

I checked the Yelp reviews and coupon offers for smog checks and ended up picking this shop. I drove in on a Monday morning and they took my car right away. They honored the $5.00 Yelp coupon. Total cost for diesel smog inspection and certificate: $60.00. Christian was very attentive and friendly. They said it would be done in 20 minutes and it was. As everyone says, they do help you back your car out onto the busy street. There is really no place to sit and wait (pretty crowded/ congested), so I took my dog for a walk while I waited for service. This seems to be an honest business.

Rebecca N.

Source: YELP

23/07/2015

I just moved to SB 2 years ago and had no clue as to where I should get my car smog checked. After reading the reviews, I can attest as to why 5 stars are given. My honda prelude was taken care of and the character of the shop will remind you of what small town class is supposed to be. Thank you!

JB Q.

Source: YELP

28/06/2014

Went here after my truck didn't pass at another Smog-it shop and they wanted to charge me $98 just to tell me what was wrong.
Not Ricardo. He told me to drive on the freeway for a few minutes to make sure the engine was fully warmed up. I did, and it passed fine this time. His diagnosis was free and his service was great! I didn't have to wait, and was in and out in 25 minutes.
I really appreciate dealing with an honest hardworking guy. Ricardo at Santa Barbara Smog Shop is one of those and I will be taking my cars to him from now on. He wants to help his customers, not just run up the bill like the other place tried to do.
Thanks Ricardo!

Brian M.

Source: YELP

04/06/2014

It's easy to get cynical and complacent when faced with entrenched government rules like those surrounding smogging your car in California. But I was pleasantly surprised by the Smog Shop in SB. His "out the door" quote of $50 less an additional $5 discount (for mentioning his yelp site), was refreshingly direct and honest and ended up being just that: direct and honest.
If you are looking for a great smog experience (did I really just write those words?), stop looking and call these guys.

Spencer S.

Source: YELP

19/06/2014

Other so-called "smog experts" turned up their noses at testing my clean 1980 Fiat Spider and came up with all sorts of excuses for why it couldn't possibly pass the test, but not Ricardo. He treated my car with due respect for her age, checked all systems for compliance, and she blew well under the legal limit. I'm definitely bringing my other cars here when it's time for their smog certs.

Jim S.

Source: YELP

16/10/2015

Found this business through Yelp yesterday. The outstanding reviews were not exaggerated. Ricardo performed the $45 smog check with utmost professionalism and courtesy. He not only seems to enjoy his work, but he has a servant heart. I was in and out quickly, efficiently, and safely. There is a small customer lounge with unique dcor. The colorful collection of inactive license plates displayed around the shop are from his customers--he told me that he is missing only Rhode Island. To top it all off, Ricardo gave me a $5 discount, without my asking, simply because I mentioned that I had found him through Yelp.

Margo H.

Source: YELP

19/08/2015

I rolled in just 20 min before my DMV appointment, and rolled out with time to spare! The service is expensive ($50 here, whereas it's just $8 in IL) but the owner was friendly, professional, and speedy.

Minnie B.

Source: YELP

11/12/2014

Same day appointment, very short turnaround, excellent price, friendly personnel . SMOG certificate quickly at the DMV. I'll be back.

B S.

Source: YELP

17/11/2014

Great and fast service, very accommodating (I got a same day appointment), and Ricardo was so nice too! I was in and out in less than 15 minutes, and I received the $5 yelp discount. Will absolutely be back to this gem!

Holly R.

Source: YELP

19/11/2014

Fast, friendly service! Highly recommend taking your car here for smog or any repair!

Paul V.

Source: YELP

06/10/2014

Bringing my car here for a smog check was a great decision. It's fast and affordable. Ricardo does a great job!

Hannah Y.

Source: YELP

18/11/2014

Wow! Made an appointment yesterday and got in this morning. It only took about 15minutes. Very friendly on the phone and in person. Highly recommend! And if you mention YELP they take $5 off.

Lo S.

Source: YELP

11/08/2014

Ricardo is a Smog Guru! I had some problems with a "check engine light" and Ricardo spent some time figuring it out for no charge. Passed emissions clean and clear. He was helpful, quick, and polite. The Smog shop earned another client for life.

Aaron D.

Source: YELP

12/09/2014

Great place to get a smog check. Very affordable and quick. Best to make an appointment first.

Pantea R.

Source: YELP

21/08/2014

Made an appointment the day of. Quick, attentive service, honest and Ricardo went above and beyond.

Peter N.

Source: YELP

06/05/2014

Went in earlier today, they were polite, professional and quick. Will definitely come back.

Jose V.

Source: YELP

02/10/2014

I just cannot say enough about how truly AMAZING SB Smog Shop has been for me and all of my friends over the years. Ricardo is an absolutely awesome mechanic who can handle anything your car throws at him, no matter the make/model/year, and always for a GREAT price!
I originally went to SB Smog Shop after hearing local recommendations, and due to the fact that NO OTHER shops in town could help me with an issue on my old BMW. I was getting ripped-off everywhere else in town for services that I absolutely did NOT need, and as soon as I pulled in without an appointment, Ricardo was on his hands and knees and found the solution within 5-10 minutes. After spending thousands of dollars at other establishments in town as they tried to fix supposed wiring issues, Ricardo used his truly impeccable mechanical knowledge to quickly realize that my oxygen sensors were installed incorrectly (one was actually upside down) and that 1 simply needed replacement. After a quick service later that week - I finally passed SMOG and never had any related issues after. A truly intelligent, simple solution when NO other mechanic could do anything - my car had an engine swap and other mechanics were baffled (at my expense) when it wasn't identical to the diagrams in their repair manuals. Instead of blindly following the manual - Ricardo utilized his depth and breadth of mechanical knowledge to solve the issue for a low cost and in a short amount of time.
Unlike most mechanics who simply look at repair manuals, Ricardo has ACTUAL mechanic skill, and he and his son Chris stand as truly amazing mechanics. They are both true experts with all kinds of vehicles - no matter the year, make, or model!
I am SO glad that I found Ricardo and his shop so many years ago - I have been going directly to him at SB Smog Shop, and sending everyone I know there ever since.

Cody R.

Source: YELP

16/05/2014

Great service, fast, helpful and friendly. Can only recommend this place for smog test!

Steven W.

Source: YELP

23/01/2015

Amazing service from a very genuine guy. I made a same day appointment and my car was done in a quick 15-20 minutes! I had asked for suggestions on replacing missing exterior on my car (vent, side molding, etc.), I left for the 15min that he smogged my car and Ricardo was sweet enough to have my parts pulled up on his computer by the time I had returned. He went out of the way to look it up and explain to me how to attach these pieces to my car. Not only was my smog check quick and efficient, but his great customer service definitely will result in returning customers for his great business. Thanks Ricardo!

Mariay T.

Source: YELP

12/12/2014

Excellent! Very fast and courteous!

Dawn K.

Source: YELP

10/03/2014

Very fast and excellent service. I went in the same day I made the appointment, and was only there for 15 minutes. Don't forget your $5 through Yelp.

Austin S.

Source: YELP

18/09/2014

I read super reviews on yelp and I had my smog check here. Nice people, fast and great service!! I would highly recommend it!

Yiming L.

Source: YELP

10/06/2014

I have to agree with other reviews. Ricardo at SB Smog Shop rocks! Service was excellent, quick and cost competitive! Highly recommend!

Paul T.

Source: YELP

16/10/2014

Santa Barbara Smog Shop is more than a 5 out 5. Ricardo and his son are skilled, honest, accommodating, helpful, courteous, friendly, quick and efficient. Their time estimate is right on. Ricardo's son even stopped traffic for me to back out. There are so many good vibes in this place. They make the process easy. I'm so glad I found this place (through yelp reviews - THANKS!). HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Roxanne R.

Source: YELP

11/02/2013

Had an appointment at 10:00 today. Showed up and was in by 10:05. Only took Ricardo 30 minutes to complete my smog check. Dont forget your $5 off through Yelp. And he checked and filled the air in my tires. Great job Ricardo. Fast and friendly.

Greg B.

Source: YELP

14/02/2014

I've been coming to Ricardo for Smog checks for well over 13 years. He's always willing to accommodate my hectic schedule and get me in without an appointment. He's honest, efficient, courteous, and always priced right. I highly recommend Santa Barbara Smog Shop! That's why I keep coming back, year after year!

Cynthia L.

Source: YELP

27/09/2012

Got an oil change and smog check. Great service, hit the quote spot on, finished on time and I will be back!

Jacob T.

Source: YELP

17/01/2013

I'm never going anywhere else to do smog again! And I think I'll get my next oil change here too! They were really friendly and knew my name when I walked up. It only took them 20 minutes on the dot and they checked my tire pressure for me too :) Ricardo was the name of the guy that helped me and he was great. Very humble and honest business, I will be back in the future.

Sarah A.

Source: YELP

22/05/2013

Fast and Easy. Absolutely recommend.

Felicia S.

Source: YELP

16/05/2013

Great job !!! Honest and friendly and on time .

Gil E.

Source: YELP

03/11/2012

Fast & friendly. This place was recommended by my regular mechanic. Owner is a really nice, trustworthy guy! Go there, it's the best smog in town.

T R.

Source: YELP

12/06/2013

I called SB Smog Shop about 45 min before they closed to see if they could fit me in for a smog check (they close at 5). I got to the shop at 4:35 and Ricardo said it would take about 20 min. I walked to a nearby store and was back in exactly 20 min. and my car was all done! In fact Ricardo said with a smile that he was waiting for me. Great service...will definitely return for my next smog check.

Linda A.

Source: YELP

02/09/2013

Had an appointment and actually didn't have to wait. What a concept. They were fast and courteous. Great place

Marty I.

Source: YELP

14/03/2012

Super helpful! Took me in the same day!

stephanie m.

Source: YELP

26/09/2013

Ricardo was super nice, professional, and efficient. AND he was able to fit me in the same day I called -- SO appreciated. Don't forget to ask for your $5 discount for saying your heard about the shop through Yelp!

Anne C.

Source: YELP

11/12/2012

I'm here right now getting my car smogged. I came yesterday but couldn't have it done because of some DMV issue, but they were so accommodating and took me immediately the next day. Very friendly. Definitely coming back

Bridgette Y.

Source: YELP

24/07/2013

This place is fantastic. Never had a single problem with the work or timing. I must've brought my cars here 6 or 7 different times for smog over the years and they've always been great to us. Thanks, Ricardo!

Shannon H.

Source: YELP

15/08/2013

My first test failed on visual inspection due to the broke PCV hose elbow. At first I was not very happy about that. I think they should told me about it before the test so I could fix it which would not leave a "Fail" on my car's record. I even doubted if they wanted to charge me twice. However Ricardo told me that he would only charge me $10 for re-test. So I went back with a new elbow the second day and passed. Ricardo is honest and reliable. Highly recommend.

Haibo Y.

Source: YELP

We work with these brands

Acura
BMW
Chrysler
Genesis
Honda
Jeep
Land Rover
Mitsubishi
Porsche
RAM

We perform these services

Body Work

  • Collision repair
  • Paintless dent repair
  • Auto body painting

Brake Services

  • Brake inspection and repair
  • Brake replacement (pads, rotors, etc.)
  • Brake fluid change

General Automotive Repair

  • Routine services and repairs
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Warranty work

Oil Changes

  • Standard and synthetic oil changes
  • Oil filter replacement
  • Fluid level checks and top-ups