Just started to get into ham radios. Picked up a cheap Baofeng unit (UHF/VHF) on Amazon for around $35 and a Mag mount antenna for around $20. I was able to hit a repeater 35 miles away with no problem, and in my other car, I can easily hit 25 miles to the repeater on the road (hilly terrain)

You do need a license which is not too difficult to get. My Baofeng puts out 8 watts which is much more than the FRS 1/4 watt units. CB radios usually are limited to 4 watts or so. a 150 linear amp was a no-no years ago without an amateur license. I'd like to put a better multi band radio in the LR but I don't drive it as much as I'd like to. That work thing gets in the way.

KE0JRT