You need to be budgeting around 5K a year minimum IMO to stay not just current, but on top of your game.
Others will be along no doubt to say that they spend four bob a decade because they have a micro something or other and do all of their own servicing
.Around £3k a year renting. Others will be along no doubt to say that with that little flying there's no way I can ever be safe, but we're not all as rich as them.
I flew 77.4 tach hours in 2013, for £5244, including monthly payments, in a Jodel DR1050, Class A, P to F, 110Kt cruise.That doesn't include landings - £470 for 47 at home airfield, £25 for a year's unlimited at Dornoch.
Current share price is £2200. None for sale at present. I bought mine for £1600 in 1990.
The most important thing for a cheap PPL course is GOOD INSTRUCTORS, and continuity. (The instructor may not be the cheapest but the PPL will be.)