Eduardo Porta began working on cars when he was just 13 years old. In 2000, he channeled this lifelong dedication into the opening of Fremont Foreign Auto, which specializes in repairing foreign cars of almost every make and model, including major German, Swedish and Japanese brands like BMW, Volvo, Saab, Toyota, and Lexus. It also occasionally works on domestic and exotic cars. Performance automobiles are the company’s passion–from the latest European cars to the classics, says Mr. Porta.

Fremont Foreign Auto’s services range from factory-recommended maintenance and engine overhauls to air-conditioning repair and brake examinations. Mr. Porta sees this commitment to all-purpose service as a catalyst for his business’ success. “The quality of our labor is first-rate,” he says. “I don’t press my mechanics to finish a job because time is running out. I always tell them to take their time and do it right, because I don’t want my customers to return their cars because of poor service.”

Keeping positive client relationships is so important to Mr. Porta that he’ll often put his customers’ satisfaction over his own interests. “Sometimes, I have customers who aren’t too happy about waiting for parts to come back from the dealer, so I’ll pay out of my pocket to get an overnight delivery to satisfy them,” he explains. “I’d rather do that than see them upset, because I want them to come back for future service.”

This charitable approach to customer service also shines through in Mr. Porta’s connection with his staff. “I have two mechanics that have worked for me for almost 10 years, since I opened the business,” he says. “Another mechanic has been here for four years. When my employees go on vacation, I pay for it. I like to show my appreciation for them, and a pat on the back isn’t enough.”

Everything Fremont Foreign Auto does is geared toward making its customers happy and willing to return, even if it means turning down a job. “Being honest with my customers is a huge priority,” says Mr. Porta. “I actually turn a lot of work away if it’s related to a recall or a bad warranty, because I don’t want to take money when I know I can’t perform a job to the best of my ability–it feels like stealing.”

Not every auto shop is the same. If you have a foreign automobile, taking it to a shop that specializes in foreign repairs is essential. Foreign auto repair can be more difficult and time consuming than domestic auto repair. The reason for this is simple: With the original auto parts and repair expertise located in another country, you’ll often pay more and wait longer for your car to be fixed.

Fortunately, due to the increasing number of foreign vehicles on the road, auto mechanics and repair shops that specialize in foreign auto repair are becoming more common. But what should you look for when choosing a repair shop for your foreign car?

First, make sure a shop has the proper certification to service the make and model of your car. Foreign cars contain electronics and engines that are very different from their American counterparts. If a shop isn’t certified to repair your model, there’s a good chance it’ll be worse off when you bring it home than when you brought it in.

“It’s very important to make sure a shop is properly licensed,” says Eduardo Porta, owner of Fremont Foreign Auto. “You should also look into its history. Find out where the shop owner came from. To be a good shop owner, you have to first be a good mechanic, so make sure they know what they’re talking about.” Also, look for repair shops that provide warranties on the parts they install. This is especially important if your car’s parts aren’t OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). OEM parts are federally licensed and, therefore, required to carry warranties.

Many costly car repairs, whether on foreign or domestic vehicles, can be prevented by following a routine car maintenance schedule. It can also be helpful to join an online foreign auto repair blog, which will notify you of issues common to your vehicle and provide you with a second opinion regarding repairs.

When you finally do have your car repaired, obtain written estimates from several service centers instead of just one. Sadly, some shops depend on the ignorance of their clients and mark up their parts and labor accordingly. If you have doubts about a shop’s validity, consult the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any complaints filed against it.

Q: Do you use aftermarket parts?

A: No, we only use original parts. If I do put an aftermarket part on a car, I won’t do the repair. Another thing people ask is, ‘If I bring in my own parts, can you fix my car?’ That’s like going to a restaurant and asking them to cook the eggs and bacon you brought. It doesn’t work that way.

Q: Do you service American cars, too?

A: Occasionally we’ll work on American cars. You can find a full list of brands we service on our website.

Q: What if I need to drop off my car when you’re closed?

A: There’s a drop box on our door with envelopes and forms for your personal information (name, address, phone number, year/make of vehicle) and requested service. Put the completed form and your keys in the envelope and slip it into our mail slot. We’ll call you the next day when we’ve looked over your car.

Q: How do I get back home when I drop off my car?

A: There are many options. A BART station is about 10 minutes’ walking distance away, or someone from the shop can drive you there if they’re available. Also, if someone’s available and you live nearby, we can give you a ride home. Or we’re happy to call you a cab or rent-a-car service.

Q: Will you refer me to places that don’t perform your line of auto work (towing, stereo installation, body shops)?

A: Of course. We work with many automotive shops in the Bay Area. We have a large selection of towing companies that we recommend, and we also have contact information for stereo system shops, body shops, window tinters, dent repairers, warranty shops, upholstery shops and more.

Q: Do I have to make an appointment, or can I just stop in?

A: It’s better for us if you make an appointment. We’re normally very flexible and can work with your schedule, but dropping by sometimes backlogs us and sets the mechanics’ work further back. If you don’t need your car back anytime soon, however, you’re more than welcome to bring it by without an appointment.