Consider the Cessna 182.
More stable than the 172, a tad faster, better short field performance and carries more load - a good all round choice. Also a nice IFR machine when fitted with the right avionics.
Still in production so excellent parts availability and service is available just about anywhere in the world.
Naturally this all comes at the expense of fuel consumption, there aint no such thing as a free lunch but it is not excessive. Another consideration is easy access, some of us get a bit rusty around the joints as we age so low wing types where you have to climb over the wing to get in can be a PITA.