One of my favourite aeroplanes, although I don't get to fly them often.
Excellent visibility and ergonomics, with adequate (not good) performance - it does drop a wing somewhat at the stall it must be admitted, and the pitch feel makes it feel that the aircraft is permanently slightly out of the forward CG limits.
Performance figures:
Short field take-off distance: 445m
Short field landing distance: 471m
Climb rate: 720 fpm
Glide performance 8:1
I'd certainly much rather fly a PA38 than a C152, and you don't need a 4-seater to learn to fly in - go for it.
G