Originally Posted By: skyactiv
I'm a mechanic and I the only tool in my car is an air pressure gauge. What are you going to do if your starter dies 100 miles from home? Pull some jack stands and a floor jack out of your trunk? I suggest wasting the money on a AAA membership if you drive a jalopy.
Having AAA or some kind of towing plan, is one plan. Typically they want to tow to a garage and not your home. If that's OK with you, go for it.
My wife's car's starter died 20 miles from home at her work. I bought one at the auto parts store across the street, and replaced it in the parking lot using just the tools that were with me. Didn't even have to jack it up. It took about 45 minutes, taking my time.
The plastic tool kit carriers can work, if they fit nicely some place in your car. If not, I prefer a tool bag to a tool box, as they don't rattle and take up less room. You'll suffer lack of organization when you need it, but you can make up for it in various ways- keep your sockets on a clip-on organizer, your wrenches on a cheap carabiner, etc.
The Crescent set mentioned is a good deal, and at least the tools are made in Taiwan instead of PRC (a matter of personal preference).
Two things I would add- first, a close quarter hacksaw handle and a few blades. The reason, often after a minor fender bender the front or rear bumper cover falls off except for one corner. Often it is easier and faster to just cut it off at the hang point than find the fastener, which may be buried under the splash guard or folded sheet meta. Second, a hammer, to beat the sheet metal away from your tire so it doesn't interfere. Having those two tools can mean the difference between driving home and getting a rollback.