I will second what the N8IAA said.
Personally I'm a Kenwood guy. I operate on both ham frequencies using my TM-V71a, and I also operate on LMR frequencies using a NX-700. Before I got it I used, on LMR and ham, a TK-760. I also own and use(have used) a bunch of different TK/NX series radios.
From a mobile stand point, I would look at the TK-780 and TK-760g series.
While the specs show they operate from 148MHz and up, they will go down to 144MHz with no tuning. I see you are studying for your technician license. The software will warn you if you program below 148MHz but will still allow it for both of these radios. Both these models can be found used for well under $200 on the used market. Be aware though they may not be supported any longer by Kenwood or Kenwood dealers.
I have owned a TK-760HG-1 for 4 or 5 years now, and it is a solid performer, reliable, and great audio. As well the faceplate can be reversed to allow the speaker to fire up or down. I have never needed a external speaker for it.
If you want something current, look at the TK-7180. It is in production, operates from 136-174MHz, can be found in both 25w and 50w models (TK-7180H is high power) and can be found for well under $300 on the used market. Because the speaker is front firing, it is rather small, and does not have the same quality sound as the TK-760/780 radios, I would recommend getting an external speaker for it. While I do not own a TK-7180 I do own a 400-470MHz version, the TK-8180HK-2, great radio.
Side note: the Tk-7180 can be remote mounted. Surplus 2-way radio sells remote kits for $100 on Ebay
If you Yahoo/Google-fu, the software can be found for all three radios. Programming cables are inexpensive on Ebay. $30 shipped to your door would be the top end for a non OEM programming cable.
Vertex Standard makes ok radios as well as Icom. While neither are my preferred brands, they are likely people here on this board that do like them better than Kenwood.
Please steer away from modified ham gear. It is not the right tool for LMR use.
This will likely start a heated debate, and I will probably get flamed by those that love the Cheap Chinese Radios but I really do not care.
I would steer clear of the 'Cheap Chinese Radios' by companies like Anytone, Baofeng, Pofung, Wouxon, Leixen or anything else similar to that.
While the price might be attractive, the quirks, questionable FCC certifications, lousy receiver performance and poor quality control will leave you wishing you did not buy them.
For a bit more money upfront, you will get better bang for your buck long term, from companies like Kenwood, Vertex Standard, Tait, Hytera, Icom and Motorola. Radios that will last, are actually FCC certified for LMR use, and have long histories in the LMR business.
If you shop wisely on the used market, you can buy what you need, for less than what the TM-281 retails for.
Good luck on getting your technician license.
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