You're a star. If I buy one, you can have a ride
I'd like one too
! Always admired the looks of this one.
Cannot help with the 177, but have a couple hundred hours in the 172RG. IMHO one of the best all-round a/c you can get (although if I'm honest, I'd prefer a 182RG for the speed). With the long range tanks has an endurance of around 6 hours, flies reasonably fast for a Lycosaurus spamcan, i.e. 125-135kt (depending on model and prop) and only drinks about 8 USG in the cruise (leaned). I have always operated the ones I fly in and out of tarmac, so can't really comment on the sturdiness of the gear WRT grass/gravel. As you are about to move to the US, this shouldn't be an issue. It does get you in and out of pretty short strips, though.
What I have heard (rumour alert!) is that one should have the main fuselage attachment points (IOW where wing meets cabin) thoroughly inspected by someone who knows what he's looking for. This is a slightly weak point of all strut-less Cessnas. Probably more of an issue on the 210, as its used mainly for commercial flying, but still worth bearing in mind.
Let us know how you get on!