I'm looking for a wrench set, since the XK8 seems to require fixed wrenches at times (adjustable ones will not fit). What size range would be good for most jobs?

 

Man, that's a tough question. It would completely depend on what part of the car you're working on, engine, suspension, interior, exhaust...

I'd say majority of the time I'm in the 10-15mm range, with the occasional outliers being as low as 6/8, and as high as 17/19.

 

I never use adjustable.

Not specific to XK8.

A good set, 6mm - 22mm, open, closed, pipe, and sockets will see you through most jobs on Euro cars.

10, 11, 13, and 14 will be your pocket friends, 17 and 19 will also spend time out of the box.

 

Also, get six point sockets. Twelve point sockets are more apt to round off a tight bolt.

 

+1 on Richard's suggestions, although everyone's comments are good. The 7 & 8 sizes are useful for the odd engine bay and interior nuts. You asked about wrenches, I assume you mean both open end and box (closed) as well as sockets.

Not having the right tool can turn a 20 minute job into a 2-hour job, so you are asking the right question. Save the adjustable wrenches for your indoor plumbing tasks.

A few Torx drivers will be helpful as well. A standard set will get most jobs just fine.

 

Got a 8 - 19 mm set from Autozone for $9.99, which I think'll suffice. Good value that, used the 13mm to tighten a headlight assembly nut that a adjustable wrench wouldn't be able to get to.

Already got torx drivers and sockets