Vegabond I was just in Uvalde Texas waiting for an icestorm to pass over. A guy walked in. Had a strait tail C-172. That's an old one. However the aircraft as very few hours on it. Down side is the engine is an older 145hp engine and not the newer 180hp engine. Talk to an A&P mechanic about it but I think they might have slightly hire mx cost. However the airplane itself is in very good condition from what I hear. The guy who owns it hasn't really flown in a long time. Puts about 10hrs a year on it. Keeps up to date with annuals ect. I believe he's asking $30k for it.

I don't know what market you're aiming for. You might want to also consider Piper Warrior/Arrow if you're looking for something with 4 seats. I flew a couple hundred hrs in the warrior and they really aren't a bad plane at all... The 172 has more head room but the piper was more fun to fly.