wish i could help you out with that also, didn't want you to think i was just bailing on more advice, but, i don't really have any.

My university had all 1999 172R's. I've flown a couple SP's as well. They're very nice airplanes (the R was much more basic than the SP though) KLN89B GPS, cloth seats, dual OBS, single NDB with movable card. We also had a couple 152's and an older 172, all commercial training was done in a 172RG (circa 78-81), our Duchi' were from 79-80, etc, all very well maintained. Honestly, though, just as much could have been completed with a 150 or a cherokee as could be done in a skyhawk. Finding a twin trainer can be more difficult, but asking around your FBO should net you some answers. Check the other local airports, look for the smaller, old time flight schools, vs. the new ones with multiple frasca simulators, etc. Also remember, the purpose of time building (say for your commercial certificate) is to "build time". You'll find yourself having to fly further, rent more often, to build the same amount of time in the faster (and more expensive) skyhawk, than you would in the older smaller 152. Same time, if i was taking the girlfriend for a 100 dollar hamburger, i'd advise you to rent the "big plane" so she feels special...