Getting your luxury car worked on can be a stressful – and costly – experience. That's why you should know what to ask a mechanic before they service your car.

You may not totally understand what’s wrong with your luxury car and it can seem like your financial fate is in the hands of someone you don’t know or necessarily trust – an auto mechanic.

You may be wondering what, exactly, is wrong with your vehicle, how long the repairs will take, and – most pressingly – how much everything will cost.

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To help put your mind at rest, here are five questions you can ask a mechanic before they start any work:

Have you worked on this particular luxury car make and model?

This is a question that - when answered correctly - can give you lots of peace of mind.

That’s because while some cars are similar to one another, each make and model has its own features and components that make it unique to its luxury brand. If you have a rare, collectible luxury car you don’t want to leave it for a few days with someone who has never worked on your type of car. So keep searching for an expert on your brand until you find one.

Are you a licensed and insured mechanic?

It's a basic question that people forget to ask a mechanic.

It’s imperative that you make sure that anyone who is working on your luxury car is licensed and insured. If something happens to your car while it’s in the shop you want to make sure any damage is covered by their insurance. If they do have a license and insurance that means they are qualified to do the work. This gives you added peace of mind.

How much do you estimate the repair will cost?

Go ahead and get an estimate in writing before the auto shop starts any major work. This will give you a heads up on what to expect in terms of cost - though of course, the amount may be greater or lesser once all the parts are purchased and after all the work is done.

You can also ask a auto mechanic to call you and get your specific approval if and when the repair cost exceeds the estimate.

Do you employ qualified technicians?

It’s imperative that those who work on your car are qualified. They should be certified to work on the part of your vehicle that is being repaired. That can mean working with a mechanic who is familiar and certified to work on your brand of luxury car such as a certified Porsche technician.

What is your hourly rate for labor?

Get a sense of your shop’s hourly labor rate. This can help you and them determine and understand your final bill before it happens and also argue for a reduction in charges if need be.

Bonus question:

Do you charge for an estimate?

Some auto mechanics charge and some don’t so this is a good question to ask a mechanic over the phone before you take your car in for an initial consultation.

If they do, in fact, charge for an estimate, make sure that it’s a flat or hourly rate, not something that can fluctuate according to their whim and show up on the final bill. Diagnostic tests can vary and run between $100 to $200 depending on your geographic location.

Auto mechanics are skilled professionals who perform repairs and maintenance on many brands and models of vehicles.

So don’t be shy about interviewing them thoroughly before you leave your precious car with them.

When you replace worn out parts and accessories on your luxury vehicle with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from Euro Auto Parts Direct you upgrade performance and keep your luxury and exotic model driving optimally for years or even decades. By using genuine brand name parts that last longer than generic or used parts you also are helping to maintain its resale value.