Get an aircraft on an LAA permit without a doubt. I fly a Super Emeraude(2 seater capable of 3 hours (more if you trade off load) endurance @90kt carrying 200kg of pilot/pax/bags) for around £35 per hour. I do my own maintenance (I have no mechanical background I have learned (am learning!) by doing with the help of very nice people I've met through the LAA) and run it on Mogas. I personally wouldn't go near a Cof A aircraft unless you need the capabilities (night/IMC etc) it brings and have the wallet to cope with the "fixed"(ish) costs of the maintenance etc.
Have a look in the LAA mag at some of the aircraft available. There are some absolute bargains to be had at the moment.