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It sounds like the 172 might be the wiser plane for the first few years at least. A Citabria looks like a whoot, but it looks like it comes with higher maintenance and running costs, plus it needs to always be hangared. Acrobatics is something that I find interesting, but probably still several years away. No interest in IFR at all. I'll be a fair-weather pilot.

Also, does anyone know off the top of their head how many hours before an overhaul is required?

Thanks for the comments and knowledge, please keep it coming.