I personally started with polygons like most people I guess. my favorite is modeling organic forms. I usually start with poly and convert it to subD to check or tweak around, then convert it back to poly - split and cut and convert it back to subD and so on. for things like cars etc I think it´s easier to use nurbs as they give you a more homogeneous and of less overwhelming complexity substance to work with than polys. whatever method you use - use it often so you´ll get used to it soon.

kind regards
falott