Compare prices for smog checks
Reader Gillian writes in with a tip for finding coupons for smog checks in California. Go to SmogTips.com and search by zip code or city for a list of local smog stations. A link to each station shows the address, phone number, a map, and what coupons are available.
Smog Tips also has information about getting $1,000 for a car that does not pass a smog test.
My only contention with the site is that it is unclear how they decide which shops to list. The site says "SmogTips Certified stations are continuously screened for quality work, excellent service and the highest level of integrity. You'll be pleased to know our stations have passed a stringent background investigation and must conform to guidelines set by the State of California before they are eligible of receiving the SmogTips™ Seal of Approval."
So do stations pay to get listed or not? I'm going to put a call in to ask. On the other hand, if you can use the site to find a coupon and get a low price for your next smog check, I'm all for it. Thanks, Gillian!
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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THANK YOU. I need a smog check now. So I put in my zip code and lots of shops came up. But I see that if you click on each shop, they all have very different prices.
Thanks...it's a bit of a let down, since they don't all list their price. Some only list a $10 or $15 off coupon, "off of what?" is the key question they do not answer.
It's a dreaded chore and something we all hate to pay for, so the key is the cheaper the better (unless I'm missing something?).
I agree. The site could do more to make it easy for consumers to compare prices. I suspect because of competition the station owners don't want to share that info. So it will take a few phone calls on your part to find the best deal that makes sense for you. But it does take some of the work out of the process.
I drive a MINI and one of the perks is the car uses synthetic oil that only needs to be changed every 15,000 miles!
~Julia
This year I had to take my car to a "test only" site. I went to smogtips.com and found a $10 off coupon for the Union76 station at the corner of Ventura and Topanga. I highly recommend this station, and the cost was one of the lowest that I found (I am not recalling exactly what I paid). The phone number is (818) 346-5770 should you wish to check prices prior to going.
Thanks for the info. I'm sure another reader will be able to use it. ~Julia