cars

Learning to do your brakes can save you a ton of money over time. Most of the time you can do a complete brake job with a basic socket set and a large c clamp(or anything to compress the caliper piston, like a big pair of channel locks or a specialized tool). I believe you also need a large hex key to remove the caliper slide pins on that car.

I'd recommend getting a torque wrench for safety reasons. Buy a repair manual or find a tutorial before you start and check what tools you'll need. A good guide will include torque specs for the caliper mounting and slide bolts.

Many auto parts stores will do free loans of specialized tools, like spring compressors, bearing tools, pullers, etc. I've saved tons by borrowing tools from AutoZone.

Don't force it if a bolt won't come loose. Apply penetrating oil and wait, if it still won't come loose apply heat and more oil.

Have fun!

Check everything rubber in and on your car

If you’re disassembling something complicated, take detailed pictures or video(s) and use that as a guide to reassemble. Also, a good way to keep your bolts/screws organized is to punch them through a piece of cardboard and label where they go with a permanent marker.

But, the absolute most important thing is to get a service manual (either OEM or a a Chilton/Haynes aftermarket manual) and torque wrenches (borrow/rent them from an auto store in the beginning). You need to know the torque specs and to be able to apply that specified torque. A lot of people get by with “the grunt system” where you just kinda wing it. My buddy learned the hard way about torque specs when five of his six wheel lugs on one wheel sheered off on the highway. This might sound scarier or more difficult than it really is, and you can surely find some YouTube video on how to do it.

Oil change? Tune up? Tire rotation? Brakes?

Do you already have an impact driver to go with your socket set? Even a low-end one will make your life so much easier, especially if you live in an area that salts the roads for ice control. And if you do live in such an area, maybe a torch for heating the things that the impact driver can't loosen?

I'd say oil change, engine and cabin air filter change, spark plugs (once you feel comfortable and have done other stuff/as needed). It really depends, you've got a car that had a bunch of engines made for it so there might be specific stuff. Best way to figure out what might be needed/doable is probably car forums. There's likely one for the fiesta.

If the shocks and struts are worn out, they're not too hard to replace, as long as the bolts aren't rusted solid. You might need a long wrench handle (breaker bar), an electric impact driver, penetrating oil, and/or a propane torch to get the bolts unstuck. You'll need to get an alignment after you have everything put back together.

The trickiest part is using spring compressors, because if they slip off, the spring can launch suspension parts with a lot of force. I always keep the strut horizontal when compressing the spring, with nothing important in the line of fire. You can borrow spring compressors from most auto parts stores if you put down a deposit.

My car could use some work if you're in Portland