my 2c - you want to learn on old robust aircraft because they give you a better understanding how things work. Once you know your basics and can handle a nearly electricity free tin can, by all means go and spend your money on whatever you can afford. Thing is - stuff fails.. we know that.. your electric trim can run away, your glass cockpit can go blank and so on.. when that happens, would you rather pull the breaker and fly the thing using skills you acquired on a basic 172 or would you rather just pull the chute and end up wherever wind takes you?