Yeah just try to get something around 100W or better, basic solid state rig. Used and cheap. It'll most likely hold it's value as long as it stays in working order. Actually a tube rig is fine too and you can step up in features at the expense of a little more complexity in operation (“tuning up” I can't remember what you do, adjust the plate capacitor for a dip then something else - whatever it is put me in front of a rig and I can do it like riding a bicycle), and not so easy portability or emergency power operation. But they are great for what they do and usually have better receivers (or at least more pleasant to listen to) than the cheaper solid state rigs. Even my old FT200, who's receiver is panned pretty hard on critical reviews, sounds nice - but it is kind of a pain in the kazoo constantly adjusting the volume control when there is fading.
You have a nice receiver already and that's something that will be helpful to you.
Whatever you do though don't fall for a QRP rig unless a QRP rig is what you want. More a challenge for a skilled operator, it seems to me.
I have a question perhaps you could answer. Another recent thread was posted about HAM in a net shutdown scenario, and it got me to looking around at rigs (I'm not a HAM at present), and was checking out Kenwood (Always like their stereo equipment), and noticed they had a mobile base (figure a 12V mobile capable rig might be appropriate for a SHTF scenario), the ST-480SAT/HX. It's listed as a HF 160-6, or HF plus 6 meter.
Can you explain what 160-6 means? Does it cover bands from 6 meters to 160 or what?
The ST-480's look like nice rigs, lots of very positive reviews. But I'm just thinking about taking the plunge at this point.