mechanic evaluation

I'm new to this forum so please forgive me if I'm writing something that has been asked often or using bad terminology.

How do you know if your mechanic is qualified, without offending them?

I have a 96 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD (stock). 2 days ago while I was driving home on the highway and I felt my engine vibrate. I mean that I felt a loss of power (driving at 60mph) and (slight) vibration thru the gas petal. It felt like when you accidently driving in third gear when you should be in second gear. I downshifted but felt the samething thru the gas petal. It wasn't a big problem driving home but I was very concerned.

I usually go to a local mechanic for oil changes, brake problems, inspections, bodywork, and minor problems. I know him, but I'm not friendly with him. In the past, part prices aren't a ripoff, but the labor cost is high (I think, not sure).

I'm not 100% sure if he is good with engines/turbos or if he can diagnosis the problem. He might just suggest a major tune up or something???

So How do I know if this mechanic is qualified to work on turbo engines with offending him?
Or are dealership mechanics more qualified and safer?

Thanks for your replys.

Edited:
Mileage is 49,000. The check engine light is on since this event occurred. It's a stick shift.

well for starts the mech should be ase certified ... so just ask him and if you need further proof i'm sure he has it...

the mechs at the mitsu dealership are used to dealing with mitsu cars and they problems that occur with them ... i'd trust them... then agian you just have to get a feel for it...thats jusy my :2cents:

^^ The Mitsubishi dealership is the last place I'd take my car. They always tried to dick me around until they found out I worked for Nissan... Then things changed, but still, that's not right.

I take my car to a guy here in town that only works on turbo charged eclipses/talons. He's cheap, down to earth, and full of valuable information about our cars.

if it was just vibrations, try inspecting your engien mounts, or check your ballance shafts.

The main question is still how do you know if your mechanic is qualified without offending them.

If you were a mechanic and someone walks into YOUR SHOP and start asking a lot of questions about YOUR experience, would you be offended?

Thanks for your ideas.

PS-What is ase certified?

automotive service excellence. and yea i with you GSTracerNVUS ... if i had a guy who knew dsm's well enough and thas all he worked i would take it to him.... i take my car to a mech i know for lil shit ... but when it comes to big stuff i'm in tight with all the mechs at mitsu and the parts manager. i get most of my parts at the used car manger's cost which is usually about 20 - 30% off reg cost. and one mech will fix my car depending on the labor for 6 or 12 pack , and if its some serious work it costs me a fifth or 1.75 liter bottle of crown plus what ever the parts cost me.