Newbie tips, what mods to get?

Welcome aboard.

I think you have made a wise decision.

I would recommend starting with an unmodded game.
Get the feel of what you do, and don't, like.
Then either seek a mod to alter those things you wish to change, OR read the forum posts in search of information on how to alter files yourself.

On supermods.
Just remember that there is good and bad in everything.
Supermods are a package deal, where you get the "good" with the "bad".
(Quotation marks used because we all have our own perceptions of what is good or bad).

Good reading:
GWX Manual. Very well written, and highly informative, whether you install the mod or not.