GM Auto & Smog

If I could put in negative stars I would. To update my glowing review of a year ago let me just say I am shocked! I have, in 30 years of living in SB, never been treated with such disrespect and appalling rudeness. I walked in this morning for my schedule 8:30 appt. I was told I was not on the books and they could not do my tune-​up. After getting Mary whom I made the appt with on the phone it was confirmed the appt was made, but when I called in earlier the week to reschedule the time no one put it in the books and essentially they had no time to accommodate me. Yes, we all make mistakes but keeping in mind I’ve changed my schedule around also… So yes, inconvenient. This is not my real complaint. The gentleman and believe me, he was not… Literally got in my face and after arguing with me and telling me if it wasn’t on the books I must’ve not called, even after talking with Mary confirming I did, basically calling me a liar. He could care less, handed me my key and told me to move my car. Not ONCE was I told I am sorry for the inconvenience, or how can we make this right or shall we schedule another time that works for you? I was treated like dirt and kicked out. There was a lovely man in the waiting room with me who stopped me on the way to my car and said, «I’m sorry you’ve just been treated like this.» This is a neighbor family shop that should be made aware this is what represents them. This horrid little punk man felt it was his duty to be a condescending bully to a loyal client who will never be back. Shameful.

Another great visit with Mary and Andy while my truck was smogged. Work was done on time and with efficiency.

I had them look at an oil leak & they fixed only what was needed at the lowest price for my infinity. Now I am getting twice as much mileage from my gas because they found an inexpensive part that needed to be changed. Mary was fun and so very helpful. Loved them and will use them from now on!

I suggest these guys not to let their hurriedness get in the way of their customer service.
I was told I would be waiting about 15 minutes, which ended up being twice as long when the service man doing my smog check admittedly told me he forgot I was waiting in the waiting room for my car (what?). So watch out if you have any meetings after your appointment with them, you will be late. Luckily for them, I had nothing to do immediately after my appointment.
In addition to this, I paid for my smog check ($ 43) and was given not only my own forms, but someone else’s D.M.V. form. I called them and I was asked to go back to the shop and return the form, which I begrudgingly did. The man behind the desk who picked up my call saw me walk in the door and just quickly said thanks before grabbing the paper and returning to the call. He could have at least put the person on hold and given me a sincere thank you (at the *very* minimum). It was not my fault that I was given someone else’s DMV form and was then asked to come back and drop it off. I should have been compensated for the gas I wasted driving over there, as I live on the other side of town.
I will be checking out my other options before returning to this shop.

Their great service and knowledgeable staff made my SMOG check experience an excellent one. Would definitely recommend.

Best place in Santa Barbara for smog certification. They take appointments, which speeds things up nicely and they will make sure all your «ready» components are in order before testing.
Fair prices, very quick testing/​certification, no hidden fees, and friendly and informed customer service. Highly recommended!

Friendly service, local family business, great value! These people are super down to earth and care about the services they provide.
Tip: Walk to Daily Grind or Chicken Ranch while you wait for your car!

Best price and fastest service in town! Mary was so great on the phone and in person. I took my Jeep in for smog and was in and out in what felt like 15 minutes. Awesome customer service and I’m glad I could get assistance without an appointment. Other places wanted to charge double what I paid and couldn’t even get me in the same day.
Definitely recommend :)

Please support this local business! Best place to get a smog check in Santa Barbara, hands down. Called at 12 today, came early for my 1:15 appointment and drove directly into bay, was out by 1:30.

Quick and friendly. I would highly recommend making an appointment, they can usually fit you in same day, but seems worth it to not have to wait extra if they get busy

Again, I needed to get something done on my car and Mary had me in the shop and out in no time. Thank you again for the great service and friendly demeanor, Mary!

Update: I received a response from this place which blames me for their lack of time management and that I didn’t have an appointment.
A.You didn’t do me a favor and «squeezed me in» I called for an appointment and was told I don’t need one
B. My smog took 50 mins. Really you say it takes 10 – 15? Because it didn’t, it took 50. And there were only 2 other customers. Of course I was unhappy it took much longer than I was told.
Thank god I read the other responses they had for customers that didn’t give them great ratings. It’s all the same. Not admitting to their mistakes nor wanting to do better. That’s not how you do business if you want to succeed just FYI. Thanks to another review I won’t be back for sure, and I’ll make sure to share this with my friends and family.

I got there at a slow moment, just drove up and 15 minutes later I was driving off with my smog certificate!
Thank you for the quick service!

I really like these guys. I have been doing the smog shop shuffle here for years. I have finally found a place that is fast, courteous and fairly priced. I took my moms car in yesterday and I was in and out within 30 minutes.

Best SMOG in town. Two years later and you bet I’m back at GM for my SMOG.
Called Mary for a same day appointment. An hour later, Andy met me and plugged her in. My car, that is. Less than 10 minutes later I was out the door for $ 38.00. I love how easy, friendly and inexpensive GM is. When I first moved to Santa Barbara, I went with a group of recent transplants to another place, highly advertised, and convenient to a Mexican restaurant who’s name sound like Rose. Ok, Rose. Anyway, we were charged almost twice the price.
Not that I anticipate seeing Mary and Andy for another 2 years but it’s good to know they offer other automotive services. Hey, I’m due for service in 7000mi, perhaps I’ll be back.
Thanks for being here!

Thanks to the reviews on Unilocal,I checked out GM Auto for a smog check. I was greeted warmly with prompt service and left in 10 minutes. The staff were all professional and pleasant. The best smog check experience of my life. Thank you!

After moving back to SB a couple of years ago, I was dreading having to find a new place to get my Smog Check after liking the place I used in LA so much. After going to GM Auto and Smog, I would never go anywhere else again!
I called about making an appointment when they opened and was able to come in on the same day. Between parking the car and paying, it couldn’t have been longer than 20 or 25 minutes. Super quick, easy, and it has to be the best price in town. Will be back next time I need a Smog Check!

This place is great. I was able to make a same day appt for my smog check. I was in and out in 20 mins and it was only $ 30! You can’t beat that price in this area.
The signs in their waiting area are hilarious and the staff is very friendly. They are also dog friendly.
This is my 2^nd time here and both times were great. Coming back here next time!

I’ll never smog elsewhere again!
They are so fast that it feels like a drive through. Excellent service!

I had an expired registration I didn’t know about and the DMV said I needed a smog check. I looked them up on Unilocal & liked their reviews. They were very friendly when I called and made an appointment. I came in and they were very friendly! The atmosphere is fun and doesn’t feel like a typical auto mechanic where you feel like you are going to get screwed big time. Fun family feel! They took me early and finished within 10 minutes!
I am planning to come back for my oil change and will fill you all in after that! The price seems very reasonable.