Smog Depot 1

Third time’s a charm. This was my third stop in trying to get my car smogged. Service was quick! And the gentleman was very friendly. The best part: he was open when he says he would be according to the Penny Saver ad and coupon. My other two stops had handwritten notes on the doors differing from posted hours. I did a check in so I would remember where I went so I can return when the next car needs smog.

Don’t go to these guys. They fully take advantage of the fact that they are closest to DMV and charge $ 70 for a smog that would cost you only $ 50-​$ 60 anywhere else in San Diego County. After being ripped off I called all the local Smog stations and came to realize quickly these guys provide nothing more for the money. They charge you more because the state does not regulate it. Because of this they get away with it!

This is the place to go to get a quick smog check at a reasonable price. It is a small shop in an automotive strip mall area of San Marcos.
He usually runs a coupon in the ads you get in the mail every week and gets the job done in about 15 minutes normally. Our family has a few vehicles and we have been going here for years. It is a test only station.
A few things to note: he leaves by noon on Saturday, is closed Sunday and he doesn’t seem to stay later; larger vehicles are extra so if you have a truck, SUV, etc. plan to pay more; the shop is small and it is just him so there may be a wait if you go during peak hours; he is a no nonsense guy so no frills here, just smog it and go.
I don’t mind the inconvenience of the few items noted above as long as I know the test will be done right and honestly, so try him out. Just call ahead first and make sure he is there and see what the wait is like. And it IS called Smog Depot #1. It is the place in the picture shown.

Really fast smog check at a reasonable price $ 50, the guy is really strict though my vehicle was missing a sticker on a K&N air intake and had to order one and come back with the sticker.

I arrived at 2:30 PM and there was a sign that said «Open». However, the door was locked with a hand written sign that read «be back at 4:00» That does not work for me and I went elsewhere for my smog check.

The name of this place is «Smog Depot #1.» Not «Smog Depot.»
Located behind Jiffy Lube on San Marcos Blvd.
I recommend this ‘test only’ smog facility. It doesn’t service, perform repairs or sell any products… so there is no way they can try to sell you anything. No vested interest to try to fail you or try to find anything wrong with your car to sell you repairs. That is the way to go.
Brought my other car here and they didn’t try to sell me services like another smog place. Also my car dash lights weren’t lit up.
Not a very pretty lobby. But I received friendly and fast service. And I only paid $ 40 !!!

Responding to the previous review, there are two smog check places in the same strip mall. The other one is probably the one you had trouble with because they are a full-​service shop. But Smog Depot is a «test only» shop.
I was very impressed with the service. The owner does the work himself, and he is very friendly and professional. The whole process took about 20 minutes, and he even submitted my certificate electronically. If you are pretty sure your car will pass, then this is a very quick, painless, and inexpensive option.
There is even a coupon on their website …