If you don't have any basic tools to start with, the Crescent or the Stanley look pretty good. I was lucky and picked up the 190 piece on sale before Craftsman discontinued it a couple years ago. Lots of room in the case for wrenches/picks/pliers/etc.
http://www.searsoutlet.com/Professio...48&mode=seeAll
Be careful about the piece count - they fluff it up by including allen keys, 1/4 inch bit heads, and stupid 1/4 inch nut drivers. You want to pay attention to how many sockets they include, prioritize 6 point over 12 points (because stronger). You'll want the majority of your sockets to be 3/8 inch and up - I barely use the 1/4 inch sockets as the stuff in the car are usually 10mm and up. I find myself grabbing the deep sockets more than the shallow sockets, just because it's easier to get clear of the stuff around the bolt/nut you're working on, and you don't have to mess with a short extension - but shallow sockets do have their uses.
And for your screwdriving / hex / torx / external torx needs, I find myself reaching for this set all the time (it's at the sale price right now):
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-42-pi...p-00934845000P
I also wouldn't care much about the wrenches in the kits. I would save up and get a set of ratcheting wrenches like these:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-20-pi...2&blockType=G2
The Gearwrench ones are exactly the same, sometimes they are cheaper / go on sale.
In the end though - don't sweat the choice too much. You'll find yourself accumulating more and more tools...it is inevitable... It's like girls and makeup - some are used all the time, but most are rarely used (hint: this analogy is a double edged sword - use carefully).
