Pasadena Test Only & Smog Check

I highly recommend this place for smog checks. Had to get my out-​of-​state vehicle checked before registration. Staff was courteous and service was very fast (in and out under 15 minutes) even without an appointment. $ 40 all said and done.

No wait at 8:30am on a Saturday. Two of the nicest people I’ve ever met at a car shop. Clean, cool chairs while you wait, very quick. They chatted with me for a few minutes. I just had such a nice experience. Had to review them. Thanks guys!

For my last smog check 2 years ago, I went to 3 places (one of which was my dealership!) because the first two decided after long waits that their equipment didn’t work with my car. I was prepared for something similar this time, but instead, I had the perfect smog check experience. It took me longer to drive to the Pasadena Test Only & Smog Check from my nearby home than the entire process. Unilocal $ 20 off coupon was given without me even asking. I’ll be back here next time!

No joke this place rocks!
Just stop by today (1÷25÷16) for smog check after reading all these positive reviews!
Passed my smog check. All it takes was 5 minutes. I was barely sat down and they said I’m good to go.
$ 40 out the door with Unilocal discount.

Don’t think. Don’t wonder. Just bring your car here. I’ve been coming here for over 2 years and every experience has been great. In fact, every experience has been amazing. For the most part, I know my cars. I used to work at a shop. Not having access anymore to tools or a lift makes it a pain in the arse to do work on my own car to the point where it isn’t worth it for me. Better yet, Allen (owner and mechanic) makes the experience so great that It makes it worth it to bring my cars here.
He is patient, honest, meticulous, hard working, and kind.
These are all the qualities that you would want in your mechanic.
Highly recommended.

Rolled into this place on a busy Saturday afternoon. Not only are they friendly and courteous, service was really quick — I was in and out in under 15 minutes without and appointment. Discount was automatically applied as well.
Highly recommend! Will definitely be back and will also refer all my friends.

Fast and friendly service at a great price! They have a small waiting room with free coffee to enjoy.

This place was great. In and out within 15 minutes with no issues. Definitely coming back here for all my smogs.

Great service! This place lives up to its reputation. Very clean shop. The owner is very attentive and came right over to greet me. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes. I will come back next time I need to get my cars smog check done.

Worked me in for a smog check. Very courteous and helpful

They get you in and out of here fast for an oil change!

This place is awesome, you are in and out in no time for a smog check!

Fast, friendly, best SMOG check stand in Pasadena. Check in with Unilocal for $ 20 off and you’ll find yourself paying $ 40 out the door (after about 10 – 15 minutes painfree wait). Allen is super friendly and professional, I plan on taking my Audi back here year after year. Thanks again!

Called beforehand for inquiry and Alen was very polite over the phone and in person. He assured me that I wouldn’t need an appointment and the smog test would be quick, and he followed through. Comfortable seating area, but not that it matters much because I was in-​and-​out in 10 mins. Would definitely come back for my next smog test/​check.
(tricky location: It’s the building of garages right where Walnut splits with Foothill on the right-​hand side heading east)

My very first time coming here was about 2 years ago. It was an instant favorite of mine. I really can’t overstate how friendly Al was. And incredibly quick on top of that. All of this would be more than enough reason to earn my repeat business. But then there’s the fact that he has fair pricing and a very comfortable waiting area. When I went there, he had magazines, teas and coffee, and even some cookies laid out. His shop was incredibly clean as well. I really can’t recommend this place highly enough.
It wasn’t until I went to another place (didn’t have a choice) that I thought about how much I should write a review for this place. Enjoy!

This shop is tops! I rolled in twice without an appointment and was seen both times.
The first time I came in for a smog test, he told me right away I wouldn’t pass because my engine light was on. Frustrated, because this was a long running issue that no one had been able to find a cause for, I explained that it’d been on forever and two mechanics had told me there was nothing wrong with my engine. In 30 seconds, he did a quick test and looked at my engine and knew what the problem was; my engine thermostat needed replacing! WOW! He explained why it needed replacing and how to get it remedied. He even helped me figure out how to pay registration and then come back for smog testing with no penalties from the DMV.
After getting the issue fixed (see revie for Hrant Auto Service), I came back. He remembered me and quickly tested my car. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes and he gave me $ 20 off for a total cost of just about $ 40! (And he sent in the smog certification electronically so I didn’t have to bother).
Also, this is the cleanest auto shop I’ve ever seen! So well organized, even some nice drinks for sale. And this is a family business. I highly recommend this place for all your smog check needs, or any other needs this shop can handle! Very professional and hassle free. Oh, and you will need to look for this place, it’s a tiny little turn off right after Greenwood, but before Berkeley on Walnut St. Thanks!

The reviews are believable. The only thing I’ll add is driving advice. They are located right where Foothill turns into Walnut (if you’re heading west on Foothill). It’s essentially a three way intersection. The safest thing to do is turn left onto Greenwood and enter the property from that side. The Walnut/​Foothill entrance is safe only if you’re heading east on Walnut.
As for the service, how is it possible to be in and out in 5 minutes, as popular as this place is?

Great place for a smog check. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Results loaded straight to DMV. Great experience.
Free ice cream would be a huge plus, but I don’t hold it against them. It’s be pretty unconventional.

The short version: Short wait. Short test time. Car passed! Discount automatically applied.
I’ve had some bad experiences with TWA (T for Techs). And with an emergency oil ingestion repair, I was convinced more drama was in store.
I gave Allen @ PTO the long story. He explained the current test no longer involves dyno-​tailpipe testing; only the car computer is tested. After noticing I had my own code reader tool, he asked me about the readiness monitors. I replied they were all good. He took out his own professional level tool and verified it himself. A nice touch to ensure the car would likely pass during an official test. I’m assuming he took the extra step because of the recent repair. He treated a skilled DIY-​mechanic and his metal steed with respect — 5 stars of course!

Fastest smog check I’ve had to date!
I was in and out within 10 minutes of pulling in on a Saturday afternoon. The standard price for the check is $ 60, but they knock of $ 20 before you can even tell them that you want to exercise that Unilocal check-​in offer for the same amount.
Like I said, in and out in ten minutes with no complaints.
Comfy chairs to wait in too.

Great service. Fast efficient, courteous. Good price. 40 $