Do you pay a mechanic before or after?

No, you usually do not pay a mechanic before the work is completed. In most cases, payment is made after the repairs are finished and you’ve had a chance to review the invoice. It’s wise to be cautious of any auto repair shop that requests full payment upfront, as this is not standard industry practice. The only common exception is if the mechanic needs to special order an expensive part, in which case a deposit may be required. Always ask for a detailed estimate before authorizing any work.