Recon Auto Center

Update: After they fixed the sensor on my car, the check engine light kept turning on whenever the car went over a bump. The light only started coming on after they installed the new part, though they continued to claim it was not caused by their work. Fast forward 2 years for my next smog check, the same sensor they replaced was again faulty (and we had driven the car less than 40 miles over the 2 yrs). I went to a different garage and they again replaced the same sensor AND fixed the faulty wiring, which they said was caused by poor installation by Recon.
So in short, if you want the cheap smog check, served with a lousy and racist attitude, visit this garage, BUT DO NOT USE THIS GARAGE for major repairs as they are lousy mechanics. I am filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, as this place should not be in business.
They are also PAYING PEOPLE TO GIVE THEM 5 STAR reviews, so buyer beware.
Update: They changed the name of their shop to Crescent Auto, likely to escape liability as Recon Auto. The same owner is associated with both businesses. This should trigger a red flag as a business would not change their name unless they are escaping a negative history.

$ 35 cash for a smog for my 2005 expedition. Killer deal I was skeptical at first just because of the low price. But I walked in and 15 minuets later I passed and went on my way. I will be bringing all my vehicles here and be referring my friends and family.

This was by far the easiest and fastest smog check I have ever experienced. In and out in 10 minutes. Best part — only $ 35.00 including certificate for an SUV. Cash only deal.
I highly recommend this place.

I called after finding Recon Auto on Unilocal.I spoke to Willy and he gave me a reasonable estimate to fix my Isuzu Rodeo. He told me he could get me in and after his examination, the repair was completed within a reasonable amount of time. He and his technician were kind, friendly, and very knowledgable. I couldn’t be more happy with the repair and the experience. The cost was reasonable and I will be a returning customer in the future! Thank you!

I didn’t time it but I think I was in and out in less than 30 minutes after just driving over there on a Wednesday morning and not calling ahead to see just how busy they might be.
Didn’t have my printed coupon (oh yeah, my printer needs ink… oops) but they honored the (cash) deal nonetheless. No ups or extras for my mini-​van or the Certification.
Nice, but small, waiting area with LOTS of little kitschy things to look at in the display cases (model cars, trucks, etc).
VERY friendly folks running this place (and I’m in the car biz so sometimes I know when it’s «just not your day») and I got a little education on just how convoluted The Golden State’s inspection program is these days (I thought I knew but it seems to be everchanging).
I highly recommend Recon Auto Center and will bring my tired old mini-​van back in two years (if I still have it by then).

Dishonest, lie to your face, immoral conduct from one of the mechanics.
Going there for a smog check. I was lured in by their ads for a cheap smog test — cash price promo.
I went there and the older mechanic guy with a cap took my car in. After about 10 minutes, he came to me and said «Your oil level is EMPTY» while showing me a dry dipstick. He said he cannot do the smog check unless it’s 2 quart level full, and it cost $ 5/​quart to top the oil level.
I bought into his claim, then 5 minutes later, he came back to me showing a half-​full dipstick, asking me if I want to top it off for another $ 10. I said no.
When I get back, I checked my oil level after it cools down and on a level surface, it is overflowing! I went back telling the owner and the workers around what happened, and they deny things and make up a story of how a car should work and oil level is in the car as if it’s a rocket science. Seriously? C’mon man.
If you’re coming for smog check special cash only, come prepared and do so at your own risk.
Pro-​tip: If they say your oil level is low, personally check it again yourself and keep a close eye on their work.

I used a coupon for a $ 35 smog check yesterday. I would give this place a 4 star if it offered faster service. There was a 45 minute wait… no biggie since I was not in a hurry. The staff are courteous and friendly. The décor in the office/​waiting area is interesting with an abundance of miniature model cars. Make sure you have cash on hand if you want the $ 35 special.

I’ve lived in Riverside county for several years now and this is the only place I will take my car! They are affordable and very friendly! The charge 35 cash for a smog and if the car passes they will even take the 85 $ diagnostic fee and apply it to the cost do repairs. I can’t think of a better deal than that! The lady at the counter is always very friendly and so sweet. If you need any car work done take it to these people and they will take great care of you!!!

Smog check competed for cash price of $ 35. They estimated 25 minutes and they were spot on. Will return for the next check.

I loved the service provided by Bill and his crew. He is Proffesional and runs an honest shop! I will be recommending his services to family and friends.
Thanks so much Bill!!!
Ben

When I moved the family to Corona 11 years ago, I asked around the community for a dependable auto repair shop. I was quickly directed to Recon Auto Repair. I’ve found the service to be consistently friendly, prompt, excellent, and honest. I highly recommend Recon Auto Repair to anyone needing great auto repair service.
Dr. Art R.

Only place to go! I moved out of the are almost 10 years ago and still make the drive whenever I’m in need of car services! Weather a big repair or regular maintenance they are always quick and extremely thorough. I always leave spending far less money than I anticipated, and this is rare when it comes to car repairs! Very Happy Customer!

ROUND ONE-​please read all!
So Last Week I decided to give this place a chance to smog my car. I went there for two reasons: $ 35 dollar OTD service & Star station certified. I was the only one there «should have been my first red flag.» The Smog Tech can’t even drive a manual transmission, he stalled my car twice before getting into the smog bay. Then he rolls over the dyno rollers with my hood open about 3 times because he can’t even get the car in straight the first time. The tech also moved slow, I was beginning to believe he was hungover or just didn’t give a rats about his job or he just hates his lazy no good for nothing boss «Statement coming from my whole experience.» So before the tech even scanned my DMV papers to begin the process he has driven my car inside, hoods open and I have an aftermarket Intake that you can’t miss to see, however he proceeds with the inspection and slowly goes through each step. Almost an hour later, my car is done. He calls me inside the office to give me the news that he has to fail me because of the air Intake unit. He prints out information from 2010 showing his proof that I failed the visual inspection but my cars emissions were perfect… and now it’s my responsibility to get updated information to prove that it’s okay? Shouldn’t they have all that? It’s almost 2014 and you’re going off Carb#‘s from 3.5 years ago from an outdated PDF? Well the moral to this visit comes down to this. The Tech knew before he started my car it was going to fail by visual, I waited an hour for him to tell me that. After the bad news, I had to pay 26.75 cash & the tech backed my car out again stalling it two more times… joke! SO, don’t let the $ 35 dollar fee lure you in, because chances are you will have to come back and pay again, so now you’re at $ 70. (Remember the cheap gets Expensive)
ROUND TWO
Today 12/​05/​2013 I went to the smog shop to ask a few questions concerning what would be appropriate to get my car to pass this visual. I open the main door to the office to find the owner, with a foul mouth… the first thing I hear is F-bombs…then oh, excuse my french. Too lazy to get off his butt to help a customer and try to get me some help he points me to his tech to make his decisions. I see the same guy that tested my car. I explained what I will do and that nothing is modified. The only thing would be I have a filter that’s exposed to one that isn’t now. ALL original tubing and vacuum lines are there. He tries to tell me it’s either one way or the other. In this case that’s false, because many companies like Injen, AFE, K&N make systems in multiple stages. The State does not issue out Carb #‘s for Air filters, the filter is strictly for airflow and keeping dirt out. anything Aafter the mass air sensor NEEDS TO BE C.A.R.B approved. This techs an idiot, has no customer service skills or willingness to help. They hide behind the state laws and the forms they have from 2010 to take your money. DO NOT GO THERE, after reading other reviews here I am not the only one with complaints and similar issues… This place shouldn’t even get 1 star, they get a NOVA STAR from me…
I’ll take my business somewhere else.

First of all never come to this auto shop! On Google i searched CORONA CHEAP SMOG CHECK and I got this place advertising $ 35 smog check. They had me bring them my car back and forth to the shop 5 times because they could not finish what other shops can do in half a day. They also ended up charging me additional fees that weren’t on the invoice, totaling about $ 400.
Seriously the manager has some real big self issues. I cant believe this shop is being run by this guy who has no skill in customer satisfaction.
How could you guys not see how ineff
icient this shop is? Maybe because all you had done was a smog check?
Do yourself a favor and research before you come here, you will see I’m not the only one unsatisfied with this shop.
If its possible not to even give them a star I would, they don’t deserve even one star.

In and out in a heartbeat for just a smog check. 35 $ cash only including cert. even let my girls use the restroom. No waiting. Could have been the holiday weekend. Guy was from New York but opened up a bit after I disclosed we had been there. I will be back I two years

Just got my car smogged for their $ 35 cash special. No joke, $ 35 including the certificate! I called smog places closer to me, but their prices started at $ 60 plus $ 10 for the certificate.
Got my car in & out quick. The manager (?) is a heavy set guy with an attitude problem, but what are you going to do? Maybe he had a bad morning. I got my car smogged cheap and that’s all I care about! I’m really happy since my car is 14 years old and STILL passed easy!
You should go to this place. It’s at the 91 & Smith. $ 35 out the door!

Had to get my smog check done in a hurry and this place was inexpensive, local and got the job done quickly. I showed up close to their closing time with several cars in front of me and they still were able to fit me in and only took about 30 mins. Very pleased and due to the great customer service, would consider taking my truck there for repair.

Quality work. Prices are really good. Costumer service is very personable. I enjoy coming here when my car is in need of things big and small.

Found a coupon in a Corona Monthly magazine for Smog Check including electronic cert. all for only $ 35. I’ve never paid that little! I found the men at this shop to be helpful and courteous.