Having done the IMC before the the IR myself I would not recommend this, the accuracy is not the same and when you get to the IR although you have a basic scan you would still be taught from scratch on the minimum hours, the money you save could be used on Sim time on the IR or some extra hours in the plane.
It is unlikely you would use the IMC in anger as already said due to a reputable club not letting you use the aircraft if the WX was that poor. If you hours are low it would be more beneficial IMHO to get your work rate up to speed, convert to a faster complex single and get your nav, aircraft operation and structured hour build up by more challenging routes here or abroad, good instructors at your club could advise on this
Feel free to mail me if you have any questions, flown hours in Spain, USA and South Africa
Good luck
