4DME,
Hello there.. what a can of worms you have opened here. Well, I trained on the C152, did one hour on C172, converted to PA28 then did conversion course for Katana also. There are mixed opinions about all of these, but the basics are right in this thread!
C152- THE workhorse of pilot training around the world, but yes, cramped if you are tall, large or your instructor is either (or both) of these! Saying that though it handles just fine, it is sturdy but still can do aeros and is probably going to be the cheapest option.
C172- I flew a brand new one in the states, leather seats and all the Gucci kit. NICE! It handled to me quite like a C152 and was nice and roomy, with space for your friends! I definitely prefer low wing aircraft, but not so much that I won't fly high wings! It's just that you get nicer view of the countryside!
PA28-Airlines go for this one, OATS and BAe etc. Cabair train on AA5A/B which are also 4-seat, low wing a/c. PA28 is roomy, a pleasure to fly as it is smooth, and has okay visibility.
Katana- well I find these a pleasure to fly. Vis is excellent and they obviously have a stick, not a yoke. They have long wings, handle lightly but still cruise nice and fast and are fun to fly. Cramped also if you/instructor are tall/large but still nice.
If money REALLY isn't an option (at all) then I'd see if you can get onto the Warrior. But as has been said, it doesn't really matter what aircraft you begin to fly. So long as you enjoy flying you can be taught to fly any aircraft as well as another!
GOOD LUCK!!
SB 2946
