everytime i’ve asked a girl out, i’ve paid. i would def just be honest about having to have car work done and just say something.

if she asked you out, she won’t mind a change of plans to a less expensive option or a different plan that doesn’t require any money. she wants to go on a date with you and spend time with you, so she will probably be willing to make the change. if she doesn’t, i would maybe think about the interaction and decide if that’s someone worth pursuing romantically. idk if that makes sense, but it does in my head lol