I had problems with smog so I went to go check out a local repair shop in Chula Vista and the mechanic told me that the smog inspection was $89 but free if you repair it there. I thought this was cool but after the inspection he told me that I needed a new cat, o2 sensor and a motor vacuum. He said everything all together was $904. I was like WTF!!!! I only wanted the REX to pass smog then this BS appear. I was lucky because my friend that knew about car argued with me. The mechanic said they where getting all these parts from Honda and so on. After refusing to pay the 1G and pay for the inspection, I checking my REX outside the parking lot with my friends; then this other mechanic came up to explain how the **** work out. He was telling me that the universal product only last for a while and the **** they do will last for like 5 years. Then they lower the price to $850 and then to $800. We just started to laugh and left the place to go buy our own cat and the o2 sensor at Auto Zone and the price was $115. I just wasted my money for the inspection but I learn my lesson to avoid these stupid auto repair shop.

 

The $89 inspection would have prompted me to find another shop right away. I have never payed over $50 for a smog check in San Diego.

 

I understand but I was also trying to get it repair. The word free was the trap for me.

 

Yeah I hate shops, it took me a few years and thousands of $ to realize that most of them rip you off. Good choice on going to the parts store and doing the work yourself.

 

That is horrible. I went to a state ref and there was no BS. It almost makes me want to just go to the state ref every time. I don't trust little shops, they are bunch of weasels.

 

knowledge is power, without it, you get ripped off i'm sorry for your loss.
Next time say you left your checkbook in the car so you can get your keys and leave. lol CYA!

I can't believe they're asking 900$ for whats basically an hour of labor. I mean, new cat - woop de doo, under $100, O2 sensor a good shop can get for under 50, and a vacume leak after that would be cake. hose. done.
They're looking at 700$ profit for one persons hour.
And then they bargain with you "oh, we only want $800 (we only want $500 for an hours work plus parts) lol scum i tell ya.