Welcome to amateur radio, and you'll find no lack of answers and opinions on what to do/buy.
I've used Alinco, Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, and Motorola.I have several friends who have recently bought the Woxun and Baeofeng (spelling?), and while they were inexpensive, the programing was something they were not complementary of.
My recommendations, if you can, go to a ham store so you can actually see the rigs. Feel how the buttons work, look at the displays (color, brightness contrast, size) as well as the size and shape of the rigs.Will one fit your car better than others? Is the head removable/remote-able? Take your time. I do suggest a dual band, as it gives you more opportunities for contacts, unless you live in an area with only a couple of repeaters on VHF.
On antennas, the mounts and antenna combinations are nearly as diverse as the opinions you will be given on them. Someone has already said go with a 5/8 wave. Well, that depends on where you can mount it, which affects its pattern. I've used 5'8, 1/4, and 1/2 wave antennas. A 1/4 wave in the middle of the roof is hard to beat. I have had both on top of my truck connected to 2 separate radios, and found the 5/8 only had an actuall advantage when I was in remote areas. More so on UHF than VHF. I find the 1/2 wave to be the most flexible option on VHF when it comes to mounting options. The Diamond 770 is 1/2 wave VHF and 5/8 over 5/8 on UHF. It's an awesome performer. On the down side, it doesn't have a spring, so if it's mounted up high you can whack it pretty good on garages and other structures. If you get a dual band radio, will you want a dual band antenna, or separate antennas for the bands? Again, take your time. Dbi is a useless figure. If the antenna is rated in Dbi, ignore the rating and figure its a "Unity" antenna. Dbd figures will be somewhat accurate. If they only mention Db, you'll have to do some research to find out which method they are using.
Antenna mounting.
Again, as many options as opinions. I avoid mag mounts at all cost. Yes, I own one, but it is for use on rental cars and ECOMM deployment. With many cars using more aluminum, mag mounting options are getting slim. In the long run, the mag mount will do more noticable damage to you paint, than any NMO installation. I've had multiple NMO antennas on multiple vehicles, and have never been questioned at trade in time about the rubber plugs I put in the holes. Some of the other "no holes" options also cause more damage over time than drilling the hole as well. Scratched paint, bent sheet metal, damage to the coax by being closed in doors and windows over time. If you can, drill the 3/8 hole and use an NMO mount, or use an "L" bracket NMO screwed in along the trunk or hood gutter/gap area. You'll get a good ground and more effective antenna. The best antenna you can buy is worthless if it's not mounted effectively. An example is how many antennas you see mounted directly behind a pick up truck cab, or down on the bumper, with half of the antenna being blocked by vehicle structure. Take your time and assess your options and needs.
I highly recommend this gentlman's site, K0BG.com .His info is on the mark.