Jerry Mitchell and family purchased the Arco station and U-Haul dealerships at 835 N. Santa Fe in Vista and began operations in 1971. When the State of California began testing for smog emissions in the 70’s, the business expanded into auto-repair and smog testing. In the early 80’s, a car dealer’s license was obtained. In 1985 the selling of gas was suspended and smog testing and the U-Haul business grew.
Jerry loved and sponsored Vista sports which included managing, coaching and then sponsoring Little League teams, helping build the Buena Vista ball fields as well as supporting the Boys and Girls Club, involvement in a local church and even included a run for City Council in 1996.
Following Jerry’s retirement, daughter and son-in-law, Jeryl and Ron Quirk took over the Vista Truck Rental and Smog Shop in 2006. Ron and Jeryl are home-gown Vistans with two generations of Vista High School graduates as both Ron and Jeryl and their two children all graduated from Vista High School and grandchildren that attended local schools as well.
When you visit Vista Truck Rental for a U-Haul or Quick Check Smog for an emissions test, you are supporting a small family business with four generations of local Vistans committed to carrying on the small-town tradition started 45 years ago, of friendly, honest and caring service for their customers.