I would have to agree with Stu, a 14 or 16 is going to be one hell of a big first scope. I mostly only use my 14" when I'm going out to a nice dark site on a really good night to get the full benifit of the light grabbing power as it is can be a mission each time to transport and set it up.
I don't know what kind of car you have but you are most likely not going to be able to transport a full tube and you will have to pull the base apart as well. You may think that you will be all ok and it not too big or heavy but after a few times you will soon realize how much of a hassle it can be and you will tend to not want to be bothered as it becomes a chore.
Around the 10" mark with goto would surly be a better and more managable option and you will use the scope alot more. I have the collapsible 14" and even so it is still a bit of a handleful to move about with out a trolley. As the very wise saying goes, "buy a scope you will use..."
Have you been out to a party/group/club yet and checkout the different scopes? even go into your local dealer and you will be supprised how big a +10" is.
I two was a little concerned about the choice of either a full tube or not but I'm glad I went with a collapsable, I just made a shroud to suit that works really well to stop stray light, dust etc. The designs of the non full tube systems these days are very good and you will not need to stress about flex, dust, or collimation, if you look after the ota it will look after you
