You can go pretty far with a good floor jack, jack stands, a metric wrench set (10-23mm), a metric socket set (8-24mm), ratchets, breaker bar, torque wrench, and screwdrivers.

Pick up other stuff along the way.

 

Thanks everyone. I learned something new. Now I have a better idea what tool set to buy. I'll post which set decided on.

 

I think you should keep an eye out for the long term as far as quality goes. I still have tools I acquired when I was a kid and teenager. When I could afford it I got the best quality at the time. The time I lived Craftsman was the way to go. Craftsman tool set are made in China now, not horrible quality, but different. You may want to look at eBay for old school sets both for the quality and you may get something for less money. I still use it to find some odd Craftsman bit or other item I might need. I pretty much settle for USA made.

Harbor freight can be hit or miss with tools. I have found for one time or infrequent use HF is okay but most of the time, under serious use, tools from there bend, warp, or fail. Snap-On has a great reputation but can be pricey.

 

Socket sets should be bought for quality. Good ones are slim and fit better into tight spots. And they last. Help preserve your knuckles. Snap-on tools some of the very best and $$$. I like William Tools, as entry level stuff. Slim, well made, not that $$$. And the ratchet wrench has a quick release button, which is nice.

Most used mm range is 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, 19mm. I believe the diff needs a 23mm end wrench for filler. And 24mm socket for drain. 3/8" breaker bar for tranny drain. 17mm end for filler. Get an adequate 1/2-inch breaker. And a good torque wrench.

http://www.amazon.com/Williams-50665...r_1_14&sr=8-14

Craftsman Torque wrench is good:

http://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-9-31...d-tools&sr=1-8

Same with end wrenches. Get good slim ones. Thick bulky ones often impede access. I like combination open/boxed end wrenches. Gearwrench makes a combination end-wrench set:

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-819...c+end+wrenches

One other thing to get. Good gloves. Both Mechanix style and Nitrile disposable. Saves your hand from getting burnt (Mechanix ---> to remove oil filters) and dirty/oily (esp under fingernails).

http://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wear-...chanics+gloves


http://www.amazon.com/Infi-touch-Nit...e+gloves&psc=1

 

A set of metric sockets (standard and deep) should cover most of the stuff on the car. Ratcheting wrenches with flex head can be a time-saver.

 

Recently bought this exact set for $90. Haven't had the chance to use it yet, but it seems fairly nice.

 

Here's an interesting ratchet shootout


http://www.sonic.net/~alexz/Ratchet%20shootout.pdf

 

HaHa! This! 10mm also good for most of Subaru STi and Outback.

 

Good read. Glad I have the Craftsman VH but I may have to get something new!

 

no question, quality torque wrench is critical. Critical. be sure it will do lower torque specs. How many times have we seen small bolts causing all sorts of problems being snapped off on the aluminum engine block on this site? Bolts don't have to be torqued to maximum possible torque you can generate with your massive biceps at all times.

The other tool you need is a factory service manual. your best friend's uncle's older friend who used to work on cars has no clue about what is involved in working on this car- they may mean well but its your car at the end of the day. torque specs are absolutely critical.

I wish someone had given me this advice when i started wrenching on my cars 20 years ago- it would have saved me from breaking stuff many times over in my earlier years.

good luck

darcy