Yesterday Dean and I went to get a smog check done at COAST OIL SMOG CENTER at 1611 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa, California 94596. The attendant at the smog check station told me it would be $138.00. That seemed high to me so I asked him if that was a normal rate for a smog check. He said YES. "You have an SUV and if it passes the smog check then we will also charge you $13.00 more to submit the information to the DMV." I didn't have much time because I had to pick up the twins at Kindergarten so I told him to go ahead and do it. As I left I called Jon on my cell to tell him about the experience. He told me that $138.00 was outrageously high and he was going to call around to find a better deal. A minute later he called and said that another company a block away would do it for $48.00. I immediately turned around and went back to the smog check station and said "Sorry, I found a better deal for $38.00 (I heard Jon's $ incorrectly, apparently to my advantage) a block away. They can take me now so I need to take my car and leave." They then offered to give me the smog check for $40.00 then and there. They did the test and let me leave for $40.00. I was polite and kind even though inside I felt very sad that they would treat me this way. They seemed a bit sheepish and apologetic as I left on my way. I am DISGUSTED by their ethics and hope they turn over a new leaf.
6 comments:
That's horrible, Tonya! Smog checks are $19.95 here. I had someone last year try to charge me $30 so I went somewhere else.
I'm glad you got a good deal. I had a bad experience getting my smog last year at another place. They made an error which the DMV wouldn't accept and when I went back, they said I'd have to pay for the test all over again. Thankfully, I made them see otherwise. I just hate registration!
Seriously!! Shame on them. I am so glad Jon was able to get back to you quick enough to get the best deal! Good team work! :)
that's so bad, I know 2 years ago I felt like Scott paid too much, it was like at least $120.00, but that was Test only smog check. I don't still don't know how much it would be. I know I paid $50.00 for my regular smog check, which is the going rate, but you can always go online for coupons and get 50% off.
Glad you follow your gut feeling and called Jon. I know I won't go to that place, ever.
They always pull that nonsense. Thy have overcharged me for gas several times and when I have noticed, just handed me the money back. Total scam.
Shauna
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