OK. I started with a 'Williams' kit of all the popular sizes in Metric, Imperial and Whitworth. It cost me 40 UK Stirling in 1969. I still have some items from that set including the box.
I now spread over 2 huge White boxes plus a drive through gantry and loads of other items. It stands me in at about Au$44k at the moment.
Getting back to 'Where to start?' - I would suggest a Stanley 3/8 and 1/2 drive set plus the Stanley 13 piece screwdriver set.
That would allow a novice to tackle most everday jobs and simple service proceedures like an oil change, radiator hose and fan belt replacement.
After that start thinking about a floor jack and stands.
Any one like to comment on those suggestions? I think it's a good starting point.
Once you cover the everyday stuff you move on to 1/4 and 3/4 drive, puller sets, test meters, compressor, rattle gun, torque wrech(s) etc.
Just as a couple of side notes: My daughter wore a Snap-On 1/4" and 6mm combination spanners as jewlery for 5 years at High School AND currently if I join all my socket set extensions together it totals over 12 feet.
A man needs an obsession.