Florence or Lucca as Base?

Lucca and Pisa are close together--an hour or so west of Florence by train. La Spezia and the train into the C/T is close by. But if I was looking for a central location, Florence would be better since it's the dominant city in the middle of Italy. Lucca is popular, but a very quiet place to stay.
There are many great cities that can be visited by train and/or buses from Florence, including Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra and a number of other hilltowns. You can also get back to Milan relatively quick from Florence on a fast train.

Only thing I worry about is I want a car, and there are good deals near the train station, but very worried that driving around there will cost me in fines with a wrong turn.

swagmaster, your best base is Florence, fairly central to what you want to visit, much more to do and experience. I think you have two choices in doing that: (1) explore Florence first, then rent a car as you leave for other areas, or (2) stay near but outside of Florence, someplace that you can get into the city by bus, train, taxi or walking. You do not need to or want to drive inside of Florence, where ZTL zones are everywhere. Also, a car won't be of much use to you in the Cinque Terre either, perhaps collecting dust in paid parking.

We picked up our rental car (thru AutoEurope) at Hertz' location on Sansovino--2 miles from the train station by taxi. They gave us directions to the motorway going south toward our agriturismo between San Gimignano and Certaldo.

Any airport rental pickup and many train station rental car pickups are going to come with extra taxes, carrying fees and who knows what. Center city rental offices are often cheaper.

Thanks Larry.only plus with car to CT would be to cut travel time. Only driving to La Spezzia and train to CT.

I would suggest staying in 2 places since you have the time. Start in Florence, visit the nearby places, then spend 2-3 nights in Cinque Terre. As far as a day trip to CT from Florence, it makes a very long day, with little time to enjoy it. CT is best enjoyed early AM or afternoon/PM when crowds are gone. Spend a couple of nights.

I think your idea of the southern Lucca environs is good, we were there recently. That neighborhood is fine (all of Lucca is safe) with no ZTL issues. Parking should not be a big deal, and you are close to the autostrada entrance. You'd likely be walking distance to the historic center, and the train the Viareggio, Florence, and Pisa would be a cinch. Getting in and out of the Lucca area is trivial compared to Florence. You might add Pistoia (2017 Italian Culture City) and a tour of the Carrara marble quarries to your list.

Choose more than one base.

Florence is recommended to visit Florence and Siena in your list. You don't need (want) a car while in Florence or even to visit Siena (which can be visited by bus from Florence). Both Siena and Florence have strict traffic restrictions in the city, therefore you wouldn't be able to use it.

On the day you leave Florence rent a car and go wherever you wish in Tuscany. You will return the car in La Spezia, next to the Cinque Terre. Stay a couple of nights at the Cinque Terre (with no car), then take the train to Milan for your last night.

If you want also to spend a couple of nights on lake Maggiore (next to Milan Malpensa airport), then park your car at the Cinque Terre (instead of returning it in La Spezia) then drive to Stresa a couple of days before your flight.

Want to thank you for all your feedback and suggestions. I'm thinking 5 nights Lucca, 3 Florence. I know you all agree not to drive in Florence. Anyone have experience with the Hertz west of the Arno on Via del Sansovino? Would that be an easier place to pick up/drop off? Sadly I can get a car cheaper their (more than half) for a week, than picking up in Lucca.