[Porsche-O-Phile]

I did all my primary training in the PA28-161. Great airplane IMHO. It was a little odd for me getting used to the high-wing 172 but it is also a great airplane in its own right. The debate of "what's the best training aircraft" is like "what's the best oil for a 911"? It totally depends on you, your perceptions, your goals, etc. Some will like a low wing, some prefer a high wing. The short answer is "whatever you're comfortable with".

If I could find a good IFR-capable Cherokee 180, Arrow (PA28R-200), a Cherokee Six (PA32) or Lance (retractable gear version) without issues for under $30k I'd buy it tomorrow. I love the whole Piper line (with the possible exception of the Traumahawk, although even those never treated me poorly). Rock-solid stable platforms. YMMV. Try a few different ones on before committing to training in a particular make/model.