“How do you know if you’ve got a good mechanic? By the size of his boat.” – Tom Magliozzi, Car Talk

If this adage were true, Doug would be driving a 40-foot Carver. He’s more than a good mechanic. He’s a trustworthy mechanic.

I originally found my way to Foreign Car Specialists because of their original Regent Street location, about halfway between home and work. The proximity to the donut shop had nothing to do with it. Really.

The garage recently relocated to a far less convenient location for me, but I’ve remained a loyal customer. There were plenty of times over the years when Doug gave me the “triage” call—calmly running down the list of what might kill me tomorrow; what I need to fix before next winter; and what I can put off until it really starts making an unbearably loud grinding sound.

So, when last week’s brake job turned into a new water pump, timing belt, and blower, I knew that Doug wasn’t just trying to put another tank of gas in the yacht. Besides… how many mechanics would let you roam around the garage with a camera, and offer to hold your flash while you photograph a broken water pump?

Now that’s customer service!