[tirwin]

You can get carried away with stuff to carry. I started to assemble a "go bag" that I could throw in the car for long trips. It didn't take long to realize once you actually start compiling it all just how much space it takes up.

My personal opinion is to take the minimalist approach. Fuses, relays, the factory toolkit, a can of fix-a-flat and a AAA card. *Maybe* a fuel pump or a coil just because if those fail you'll be stuck somewhere waiting on parts to arrive. If anything else goes wrong, chances are you need a tow anyway.

Working on the side of the road can be hazardous to your health. Many years ago I knew a guy that was killed working on his car on the side of the interstate. Driver wasn't paying attention and drifted over for just a second and that was all it took. Sure nobody wants their trip interrupted but your life isn't worth it. I think some insurance companies even offer trip insurance. That might be worth looking into.

And like others have said, you need to feel like you can trust the car. 4 years ago I had to start the car with a screwdriver, cold starts were a problem, there were some electrical gremlins and I had no A/C. I'm just now getting the car to what I call "trip worthy".