If you are still new, maybe try to get a Sony Alpha 100, the first DSLR which Sony produced. I'm currently using it. It takes good photos. Price ranges form $800 onwards.
try to get a camera bag which have many components so you can enjoy the space and for future use, as you buy more lenses. A backpack camera bag does quite fine.
quite decent photos, you may want to improve on those car shots, try to take the photo at an angle so that you'll avoid having the reflections.I do enjoy your ' aqua photos ' (: