[BlueBloodedPony]

+1 on the starter kit from craftsman, I got the 300pc i think and then bought a tool box to hold everything else.
My list looks like this:
1/4" ratchet and socket set
3/8" ratchet and socket set
1/2" deep and shallow ratchet and socket set
1/2" breaker bar
Misc extensions
Different size hammers, mini sledge, body hammer, rubber, and the regular hammer
plyers- 3 sizes
set of American and Metric wrenches
a set of phillips screwdrivers, a set of straight screwdrivers
Torque wrench
a pair of wire cutters or dykes.
a set of vise grips
1 can PB blaster
1 roll electrical tape
1 roll duct tape

The other stuff like mulitmeters, spark plugs, stuff like that you can buy when you know you are about to do that job, but my above list is what I consider the basic set that needs to be in every guys box. Also, once you get real into it, get a compressor and air tools, they make life soooooo much easier and quicker.