The Auto Analyst

Terrible customer service! Smog should not have been performed and I should have been given options since the mechanic noticed that I didn’t have the right equipment. I was told that as soon as they open the hood they have to do the test AND charge you even though they know it will not pass. I noticed that other people have been offered a free retest and that should have been offered to me. It would have saved the business a customer AND this review would not have been posted. So yes, I was charged anyway and the owner Darlene was as rude as it gets with lack of compassion and customer service skills. STAY AWAY!

I smogged 2 vehicles here 2 years ago, and I’m back again. All my vehicles are diesel, so I can’t comment on gas smogs, but my experience has been excellent. I have referred several friends here and they are all very happy with the service.

I wish I were there to experience the great service Paula gave my wife today who had to drive from Tahoe to get a specialty inspection. Thanks again.

Needed a smog and it had to be at a STAR station. Drove down Motherlode and saw there sign saying they were STAR certified. Pulled in and talked with the front desk girl who was super nice and very informative. She told me they were busy but made me an appointment for that same day. My overall experience was fantastic here and will be using them for all my vehicles from here on out. Hard to find a good auto shop that doesn’t try to pull one over on you. I felt Auto Analyst were very friendly and honest. Thanks for such a positive experience!

Very impressive service. Very friendly staff. In and out for a smog check in about 35 minutes. Called me back about three days later to make sure I was satisfied with their service. You just don’t get that kind of customer appreciation anymore. I will certainly be going back to them in the future.

I needed a smog check to register my truck this year. Yep, the old beast needed a sniff to get his papers. Well… I’m glad I trusted my instincts. Have you read some of the reviews for auto repair shops around here? Just thinking about going in makes you cringe. And, having worked in the automotive industry for years, I figured I was prepared…
Well, I wasn’t. I wasn’t prepared for how nicely Paula talked to me on the phone when I called for an appointment. And I wasn’t prepared for how pleasant she was when checking me in. I sure wasn’t prepared for how sincere Seth was when going over the truck’s test results and recommendations.
I’m glad I came here. It was a fairly easy process… got my test handled, sat in the lounge for a bit, paid my bill, and off I was. I guess we all know where I’ll be headed next time I need a smog test.

I went to Auto Analyst for a smog check. I guess I got carried away by the Unilocal coupon. That won’t happen again. Other places, that were about the same price (or less), offered a free retest. My truck failed. Not by a lot but by enough that I needed to figure out what was wrong. That’s when I found out that Auto Analyst does NOT offer a free retest. The price just doubled.
They were polite. More than polite actually. However, the test took 1−½ hours, which is far longer than I’ve ever had a smog test take before. And the waiting room smelled strongly of «new car» scent, probably from one of those scented things that hangs from the rear view mirror. The scent was not kind to people with allergies. That would be me.
All in all, although I gave them a 4, I won’t be going back to Auto Analyst again. Their price for a smog test with the coupon was just average. Without the coupon, they’re high. Add on NO free retest and their price is much higher. I’m sadder but, hopefully, wiser. With all their gimmicks (free coffee, free calendar, free hot chocolate mix (!), etc., etc.) Auto Analyst has not earned my return business.
As I said before: took too long, priced too high, and the scent in the waiting room was overpowering.

Auto Analyst has to be the most fair people you would ever want to look at your car. Seth is a gem works the counter will help you determine what you really need and just how soon you need it. They are wonderful about reminding me to service my Subaru, help us out with our Rescue truck. Definately an A#1 shop