Take some basic classes. Learn how to use a grey card for exposure calculations, learn about framing a photograph in 1/3s, depth of field is critical, lense selection, etc.
Great thing these days is that with digital photography, you can take tons of pictures like the pros. National geographic photographers take thousands on an assignment to get 20 good shots; and they are the best.
Take one picture of one subject and use different settings, angles, depth of fields, angles, zoom settings, flashes settings, etc...
I worked at a camera store at 14 and took some college courses. Car pics are easy, its what they capture is tough: for example a Pcar on Highway 1 in California at sunset. Now that combination is a winner. E.g. this years pics from Yosemite after a rainstorm were incredible. Timing, time of day, a little luck, etc...
Just go get a digital SLR , a few good lenses, a bounce flash, and snap away........
