172driver, the one in question is a -20R, a 200 hp retractable-gear version.
The "not exactly mainstream" comes mostly from the price considerations indeed, and here I am trying to find out whether the types in question are plagued by unusually high maintenance costs, etc.
robin, Jodels/Robins are (regretfully) excluded right away, as the plane will be away from the home base a lot of time, and no one can guarantee a hangar will be available everywhere I fly.