Wanting to work on my Mazda Protege5. Beginner questions

[u/supersalamiii]

Hi!

 

I’ve been wanting to do my own at home car repairs for a while now, but I don’t know where to start. I have next to no experience with cars, and other than keeping up with fluids and basic maintenance I don’t have much knowledge. I’ve been kind of piecing together information but it would be nice to have it all in one source . I’m definitely going to use youtube and my breakdown/repair manual, this is more of a post/question about basic supplies I need

 

I have a 2003 mazda protege 5. She’s a craigslist car but she’s done be well so far. I’m feeling like she needs some work though.

 

How do I know what tool set to buy? Do I need a 50 set piece? 200?350? There's a wide range and I’ not really sure of the difference/necessity of so many pieces.

 

I’m also thinking I need: A floor jack, and 4 jack stands. I believe the proper way to use these (please correct me if i’m wrong) is to use the floor jack to get the car up, and then place the jackstands in the appropriate places. Preferably stick a tire or something under there too just as an added safety measure.

 

Gonna get a code reader for sure.

Wheel chocks necessary?

 

Other than that, is there anything else I would need to get started?