What tools do I need in order to DIY?

bmcd308

First - I believe in buying adequate tools for the job, but I do not believe in spending too much to get a better tool than I need. Opinions will vary WIDELY.

I tend to buy tools at Sears. Craftsman tools are not the best, but they are pretty good. For the jobs that a person who asks your question has any business tackling, they are fine. Again, opinions will vary.

Here is a decent starter list:
tire pressure gauge
compressor to put air in the tires (go ahead and buy a big one if you think you will EVER want to use air tools)

Your first project is probably changing your own oil:
Rhino ramps (Wal-mart) and 2x10 boards to make extensions (so you don't drag the nose going up and down the ramps)
Wheel chocks (Wal-mart) (so your car does not roll back down your Rhino Ramps and extensions, killing you)
3/4 inch drive socket set (metric) for most fasteners on the car - Craftsman is fine
Some kind of oil filter wrench. Lots of people swear by the ones that grab the end of the filter and use a ratchet. I have found that the filter just flexes allowing those to turn. I prefer the metal strap variety, but I also use the kind that looks like giant pliers.
Oil drain pan
Nitrile gloves
3/4 inch drive torque wrench (because you will be paranoid about how tight to get the drain plug)
A funnel that will hold a quart of oil but that will not fall over if you are not holding it (worth its weight in gold)

Next, you might want to rotate your tires:
A floor jack
Jack stands (so that when (not if) the floor jack unexpectedly lowers the car, you will have an awesome internet story instead of a funeral)
1/2 inch drive non-ratcheting breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts (don't use your torque wrench to loosen things) OR, if you bought the big compressor, an air impact wrench. Only use the impact wrench to loosen fasteners. ALWAYS spin it in your hand to verify that it is loosening before you stick it on anything and pull the trigger. You will be surprised what one of these can strip.
1/2 inch drive 21MM non-scratch socket for lug nuts - Harbor Freight makes one that is adequate, but you have to buy a set of 6 for like $30. Craftsman probably makes them, too. Just get one that is wrapped in vinyl so it can't scratch your wheels.
1/2 inch drive torque wrench with 80-100 ft lbs somewhere in the middle of its range - Craftsman is fine, and it normally goes on sale on Black Friday for something close to nothing.

Now, for your first mod:
Long #2 Phillips screwdriver (to take the glove box off to install a cabin air filter). I am not a fan of buying a big screwdriver set, because they come with lots of crap you don't need. Buy a decent phillips screwdriver set that emphasizes #2. Get a real long one, a real short one, and a screwdriver size one. You need a small flat blade screwdriver for some of the body clips, but I am not sure I have encountered other slotted fasteners on the car. Others can chime in on this.

Next - bleed your brakes -
Stuff above plus
Motive power bleeder (preferred) or Mity Vac brake bleeder (way cheaper but adequate)
Set of metric open end wrenches

Other:
A little pump that allows you to pump fluids up for your next pieces of maintenance, changing your own diff and trans fluids - Motive makes a great one, but people get by with the crappy orange one from Wal Mart.
One of those crappy plastic interior prybar sets that you will think is worthless until the first time you successfully don't break some small clip by having the proper tool to for the job
Maybe an oil extractor so you can change your oil (but not your oil filter) without getting under the car. Considered sacrilege by some.
Kitty litter.
Shop towels
Paper towels
Window cleaner
A set of pliers (regular, needle nose, slip joint)
If you are going to do any electrical stuff, an automotive electrical kit

Very optional:
OBDII code reader
TPMS reset tool