If you can't get 3D Max or Maya, you can use the freely available Blender, which I use myself (although not to create cars, they're too hard atm ) www.blender.org
It is confusing, but if you PM me, I can give you some links for tutorials and if you have MSN, I could teach you a little bit on how to use it.
also i have a zmodeler home page now and i want to now which version is the most suitable,
and using the zohan 2009 shape where would be the first place to start when wanting to add textures if this makes sense
you will have to bare with me as ive never done anything like this before but im willing to try, and when good enough maybe share the work, and gain further advice