Although working on vehicles isn't rocket science, there are a few different barriers to entry when it comes to repairing and performing basic maintenance items on your car.
Some people don't have a garage to work in (although there's no nothing stopping you from working outside.) Some are overwhelmed and feel they don't possess the knowledge or skill set (not at all a legitimate excuse in the age of YouTube, Google, and model-specific forums.) Lastly though, and perhaps the largest, is the lack of tools and equipment to get started.
toolbox
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For those unaware, tools can get expensive. Really expensive. And while it would take thousands of dollars to replicate the garage of a professional mechanic, I believe that anyone who wants to get into the automotive hobby can build up a solid home toolkit without a whole lot of cash. The key is to focus on two things:
Only buying essentials.
Being particular about finding good deals.
You don't need to fill up your garage or have a ton of space. Most car repair jobs require only basic hand tools, and any specialty tools needed can usually be purchased on a "when-you-need-it" basis.
Buying the Essentials... Cheap
Believe it or not, the overwhelming majority of jobs use the exact same tools. Seriously. You'd be shocked at how many engine bays can be disassembled with a screwdriver, pair of pliers, and a 10 millimeter socket. The list I have put together here are what I believe every decent home tool kit should contain.
A word on tool quality: Throughout this article, I will suggest buying some tools and equipment from Harbor Freight. For the uninitiated, Harbor Freight is a tools shop (and website) where you can buy cheap tools. And by cheap, I mean both in price and in quality. Most of the tools there won't hold up long-term. Some will disagree with the idea of buying tools that are knowingly not very good. I would ask those people to keep in mind that the entire point of this article is to get over the myth that you have to be a millionaire to build up a decent garage arsenal. Also, Harbor Freight offers no-questions-asked lifetime warranties on all of their tools, so while the things you buy may not hold up to tons of abuse, you are free to take them back for free replacements at any time.
Toolbox
You need a place to keep all of your tools and keep them nice and organized. I suggest starting out with a simple and portable box. There is no need for one of those giant chests on wheels. Those things are expensive, and you wouldn't even have enough equipment to fill one up.
The best way to acquire a toolbox is to first make sure you or a relative doesn't have a spare lying around. If you have one of those uncles with an infinitely messy garage, you might be able to snag one free if you ask nicely. Otherwise, I'd recommend finding one that comes as a kit with some of the other items on this list included.
Floor Jack and Stands
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You won't get very far on most automotive repair jobs without a floor jack. Unless you drive a lifted pickup, you need a way to get under your vehicle, which is hard to do unless you are shockingly short.
