Cox Auto Service

Yes. Cox Auto Service is STAR certified with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, so it can test vehicles the DMV directs to a STAR station, including gross polluters.

No. Cox Auto Service is licensed as a Test & Repair station. This station can run your smog test and, if the vehicle fails, diagnose and repair it in the same shop.

Cox Auto Service is open Monday 8 AM to 5:30 PM; Tuesday 8 AM to 5:30 PM; Wednesday 8 AM to 5:30 PM; Thursday 8 AM to 5:30 PM; Friday 8 AM to 5:30 PM; Saturday 8 AM to 3 PM. Closed Sunday. Hours can change on holidays, so call ahead if you are cutting it close.

Yes. Cox Auto Service accepts walk-ins, so you can drive in without booking ahead.

Cox Auto Service accepts Cash, Credit Card.

Cox Auto Service has held a BAR smog license since 2012. You can verify the license status at bar.ca.gov.

Cox Auto Service has not published a price on SmogCheckDeals. The Bureau of Automotive Repair puts the statewide average at $69.16 as of August 2026, about $65 for a 2000-or-newer vehicle and $73 for 1999-or-older, plus the $8.25 certificate fee. Call (760) 643-9111 for a quote.

Cox Auto Service does not take online bookings here, but walk-ins are welcome. Call (760) 643-9111 to check the wait.

Staff at Cox Auto Service speak English.

Bring the car, your registration or DMV renewal notice, and a way to pay. Most smog checks take 15 to 30 minutes, and most visits are closer to 20.

Because Cox Auto Service is a Test & Repair station, it can diagnose and repair the problem in the same shop, then run the free retest within 30 days. If the repair bill is steep, California's Consumer Assistance Program covers up to $1,200 of emissions repairs for qualifying owners.

The closest alternatives in Vista are Rc Auto & Smog (0.3 mi) and Ms Auto & Smog (0.3 mi). Both are listed further up this page with their ratings and hours.