[Otter74]

When I was shopping for a car, I ended up finding my car in Georgia, but I not-so-secretly hoped to find it on the west coast so I could see a friend or two and do exactly what you want to do. I did drive my car home from Georgia. My priorities were for a car that was good enough mechanically to hop in and drive anywhere, and I'd suggest the same for you (e.g. possibly at the price of other factors like, say, originality or cosmetics, depending on your budget).

Fan belt, basic tools (the OE tool kit is probably fine), air compressor, maybe a tire plug kit (or make sure the spare is good), road-service card, phone, credit card, DME relay if you get a Motronic car.