Hi All,
Well, although I've nearly finished my PPL, I found myself migrating here from the 'zero to 45' forum - it's interesting to review the thoughts of those just starting out!
Ben, hope you enjoy the training. As others have said, I wouldn't buy a plane until you've finished the licence - there are all sorts of things that can affect you en-route and I hate to think what the insurance would be for someone learning!
Having said that, I've read your comments about the cessna and PA28. I have flown both (and the AA5), but my preference now is firmly the PA28. Lots of people (including me) don't like the single door, but it is the most forgiving aircraft you can ever hope to fly; stable, hard to stall, practically impossible to spin (which is not permitted anyway) and reasonably quick compared to the 152.
Best of luck with the learning!
HH