Thresh,
I got into astronomy about 18 months ago and besides everybody on IIS saying go with a Dob, I started with a 6" Newtonian on a EQ3 mount.
Within a few months, I came upon a 10" Bintel Dob for sale on IIS. Price was too good to pass by so I snapped it up and sold the other scope.
I COULD NOT BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE.
Easier to use and quite simply heaps more to see as the extra aperture opens up much more of the night sky.
I have been bitten by the bug and just recently upgraded to a 8" Meade LX90 LNT. In doing that I have sacrifised aperture for features and whilst I'm more than happy with the Meade (which I also picked up for a good price) I miss the Dob.
I would say 100% start with a Dob, and preferrably a 10" over an 8". You should be able to put the tube across your back seat and the base in your boot or front seat.
I live near Tullamarine Airport just north of Melbourne and whilst there is light polution, us newbies aren't as fussy as some of the more "experienced observers.
