26.75 Auto Star Smog Check & Repair, Lake Forest CA

We brought our car for a diagnostic test. When we got the call from the owner my husband was busy tending to our toddler so I picked up said I was the wife and could relay the message. He asked once again to speak to “the owner of the Nissan Sentra” to which I just restated myself. He did not want to speak to me but finally gave in. I told him I would have my husband call him back to discuss the quote. When my husband called he was told “Just talk to your wife. She clearly calls the shots”. We ended up not having them fix our car because of this comment. In fact, I would like the owner to know that I am the actual owner of the car. I purchased that car before my marriage and paid it off myself. Welcome to 2023 where women can do that AND take calls.

This was the text message I sent to him because I trusted him. He does know cars, but unfortunately greed takes the best from the best.

"Hey it's iliana again. I wanted to thank you for taking care of my father. However, I was a bit shocked to learn he paid $60.00. I called you before he got there because he wanted to get the best deal and heard me saying how much I trust you with my car which is a very important part of my life. I know you pride yourself in providing great prices that's why it's cash and not credit. So to learn that he paid that much, even with your name on Google search that comes up as "26.75 Auto Star Smog Check and Repairs, " and even with the past 5 years I paid less than $40.00 each time, I feel saddened and taken advantage of. I don't expect him to get a free smog check for my mother's car, because at the end of the day we must make our money to put food on the table but I did not expect the upcharge simply because you knew me and had worked with me before. I was even planning on taking my car to you again for my broken AC this upcoming week because it's been too hot. Regardless, thank you for your work until now. Just know I am deeply saddened and will look for another repair shop. I will too be amending my yelp and review"

I hope this helps you make a wise decision about your vehicle. This review is not made with spite, I have trusted him and have spent about $700 at his shop in the last 30 days to get my car fixed to pass my own smog check. Now I wonder if it really was a good deal or simply pulling wool over my eyes.

Just had my car smogged here today, and it was a great experience. The owner/operator is friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable about the work he does. He listens attentively, answers questions thoroughly, and patiently explains any issues. Price-wise, he charges a fair price for the smog inspection service. I’ve been going here since I found the shop about 6 years ago, and have always had a similar experience.

BEWARE! Terrible business practices with an unethical owner. "Tom" has done work on vehicles of ours without written estimates or invoices. In violation of California law. Under the business and standards code section 3356. Cars that are worked on here are boomerangs. They go out and come right back. We had multiple instances of this happening over the years. Unfortunately my family trusted him for far too long. The final straw is the situation below
"Tom" sold my family a vehicle with a guarantee that the vehicle dispite being old was in "excellent" working condition. Even going so far as to offer a 1 year parts and labor coverage because it was such a great vehicle.
Spoiler alert it was far from it. 2 hours after taking possession of the vehicle the service engine light came on. We took it back to him and he "repaired" it. 3 days later; he tells us the car is ready. Spoiler alert. 45 minutes after driving it away.you guessed it folks.the check engine light comes on.again. And did I mention the car smells strongly of gasoline in the interior?
We lost confidence in "Tom's" guarantee. As he had certified as a. ASE mechanic the car was in excellent condition.
Now we attempted to return the car.
Not only did he become hostile he told us to leave his establishment.
We generously left the vehicle with him, as a good faith gesture to get a refund. We returned 3 days later and he was again hostile and defensive. My family have been long term clients of his. So if this is the way he treats long term clients.buyer beware!
Btw.he has a VERY misleading photo on his website showing a repair bay that looks nothing like his.

Since the OWNER decided to reply. Feel free to check my review on yelp and his response where he ADMITTED selling the car. And all this and he manages one sentence saying it's a lie. Just wow. SMH.

Since the owner has decided to vent here, I'll update my review; my vehicle had a catalytic converter shield and an after-market air intake, so I failed, understandable. He then offered to have a factory air intake installed for a fee from him so I could pass; I declined (because I knew I had the factory air intake at home) ; after coming back with the converter shield removed and the factory air intake installed, he still failed me. Also a lot of weird specific signs inside telling customers what they can and cannot do. So I'll keep my original review as stated below.

Every time that I go here, it's something wrong there. Every. Other. Smog place that I've been to, I've never had as many issues as this one.
I spent over 220+ dollars, even with "discounts. "

This location was offering very suspicious upsells that had nothing to do with getting the car smogged. Went into mission Viejo and had no problems getting it smogged the same day I was rejected here. Weird and waste of money.

Also, just read the previous responses from the owner or manager to other HONEST REVIEWS - my advice to you GET PROFESSIONAL.

I have been coming here for years for both my cars and will keep coming back as long as they are here. Super friendly, very efficient, great fair pricing. Zero anxiety experience every time.
So glad to have a place like this so close by.
5 Star service, highly recommend.

Been here many times with my Lexus and F150 for smog, and Tom handled it effortlessly like a pro. Thanks.

Very pleasant experience. Price was more than competitive. Test was done in a very reasonable time. I felt I was being treated honestly and would definitely recommend them and return in the future.

This is a great business with great work. Tom does a great job and takes care of each and every vehicle with care. He treats it like his own. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking

I took my car it felt smog check the guy say come back tomorrow after you drive 200 miles I took the same day to a different location 5 miles away it pass and they charge me half the price is funny because this the second time it happens in this location never coming back this guy is a thief