Some general advice when talking to your mechanic
1) Dont expect your mechanic to jump in your car and hear the same noises you hear after 2 minutes. Remember, mechanics can be driving up to 20 different cars a day, so give them time.
2) Don't assume all mechanics are crooks out to steal your money. Most of them are good honest people, but unfortunately its the 5-10% that give the industry a bad name.
3) Be Patient. Being a mechanic in the modern era can be a lot harder than it used to be. With everything computerised and many car manufacturers now making cars as consumable items to be thrown away after 7 years, it can be sometimes hard to know what to fix and what to replace.
4) Always bring a list of the problems you would like them to look at. If your mechanic knows up front ALL the factors effecting your car, it will make it easier to diagnose if any of the issues are interelated
5) Talk to your mechanic, get to know them and if they recommend something, listen to them and consider your options before you make your decision.