| Sports car owners understand that regular | | | | Ask about Certification |
| maintenance and proper repair is necessary to | | | | Specific certification is not necessarily a |
| keep their vehicle in superior running order. | | | | requirement to be a top-notch mechanic, but it |
| Although many sports car enthusiasts are avid | | | | does demonstrate an interest in staying abreast |
| amateur mechanics, many are not as well versed | | | | of industry changes and a commitment to |
| in auto repair and will need to rely heavily upon | | | | mastering one's craft. Ask potential mechanics |
| their mechanics. Even more expert owners may | | | | about their training and certification. They should |
| need a professional mechanic's assistance for | | | | be happy to share with you how they have |
| some tasks. | | | | developed their expertise. |
| Choosing the right mechanic, therefore, becomes | | | | Training and formal certification levels are not the |
| are very important agenda item for sports car | | | | end-all in terms of mechanic selection. There are |
| owners. There is no surefire method of | | | | mechanics with little or no formal training who can |
| developing an ideal relationship with a mechanic, | | | | outperform some of the most schooled |
| but there are things you can do to improve the | | | | technicians. Nonetheless, training and certification |
| likelihood of finding a great partner in keeping your | | | | can be an indicator of how a mechanic |
| car in top shape. | | | | approaches his craft. |
| Ask for References | | | | Ask Other Sports Car Owners |
| Employers ask for references from potential | | | | If you were looking for your city's top Porsche |
| employees for a reason-discussions with those | | | | mechanic, for instance, you would be foolish not |
| who have worked with another in the past can | | | | to canvass other Porsche owners in hopes of |
| be a great predictor of how things will go in the | | | | finding a mechanic you can trust. You may want |
| future. Explain to potential mechanics that you are | | | | to seek recommendations from a sports car club, |
| hoping to strike up a long-range relationship with | | | | or even ask dealers of your sports car type for |
| an expert who can help you maintain your sports | | | | their input regarding the area's best mechanics. |
| car, and toward that end, you'd like a few people | | | | Remember, a good mechanic can be immensely |
| you can talk to about the quality of his work. | | | | valuable. Using a poor mechanic can result in |
| Don't be shy. A quality mechanic will be more than | | | | disaster. You undoubtedly care about your sports |
| happy to let you know of others who are | | | | car and want to make sure it is treated properly |
| satisfied with his work and who find him reliable. | | | | and maintained optimally. |
| Asking for a reference or two will not be | | | | Don't leave your choice in mechanics to chance. |
| perceived as rude. | | | | Picking the first alphabetical listing in the telephone |
| Follow up with the names the mechanic gives you. | | | | directory is probably not the best way to |
| Find out what others have to say about his work, | | | | approach developing a relationship with a top-tier |
| ability to meet estimates and deadlines, and | | | | mechanic. Follow the three simple steps outlined |
| customer service. Good mechanics develop good | | | | above, however, and you may be able to find the |
| relationships with customers, and references | | | | perfect person to help you with your sports car. |
| should offer glowing reports. | | | | |