Hi, it may depend on what you consider basic maintenance, and the model of car. If you're not going beyond minor tune-ups, oil changes, etc., a 3/8-in drive set will probably suffice. Before you invest in it, though, you may want to check some of the bolts, nuts, and the spark plug size in your car(s). You may be surprised at how much metric is used in the newer cars. My wife's 1999 Ford Escort is almost all metric, while her 1990 Escort was SAE. My old 1989 Pontiac LeMans was metric as it was actually made by Daewoo and exported to the USA.

The set I use for most routine maintenance is called the "Metrinch" or something similar to that. I don't know if it's available in stores, as I bought it through a flyer that came with my gas/oil credit card about 4 years ago. It fits both SAE and metric sizes with the same sockets - it puts the pressure on the flat edges, and the corners are rounded out to make it fit both SAE and metric (since both are fairly close in size). It came with open-end wrenches from 1/4-inch to about 7/8-inch; sockets in 3/8-inch drive with 1/4-inch adapter for the small sockets; a flexible extension; a 6-inch straight extension; a screwdriver-type handle for the smaller sockets; and, two different sized spark plug sockets, all in a black hardshell carrying case for about $40.

I hope this helps some - regards! Jim D/Heathsville, VA

Watch sear's for their tool sales and you can get a multi piece set with both metric and sae for a really good price and have all the tools you will ever need. I bought a set that has both types and deep and shallow sockets aloing withthe ratchets in all 3 sizes, 1/4 3/8 and 1/2" along with some metric and SAE combo wrenches in a nice case for under $100. You get that and you should be set for life as far as wrenches go.

Get a craftsman deep sockets 3/8 to start. I would sugest one of there sets you get a good deal in the sets. If you do anything small you will need the 1/4" socks. Jsut get a big set you will use them and they are warnteed forever.

This is an area of discussion where the word SET is important. The package deals that are available make it a pretty good idea to buy a larger package than you want at the time. I'll second the thought of considering a 'deep' set of sockets ... you'll find them useful in most situations where you need sockets and in all but the tightest fits they will be useable.

Sets of one thing, for the most part, are always good.
However, many times, when you purchase an entire set with a range of tools, you tend to get a few "cheapies" here and there.
Just make sure you get what you're looking for.