C-172L Questions

Having carefully analyzed my flight requirements and plans for the next
five years or so, I've decided to take the plunge, probably on a
C-172L that I've been looking at. The fixed costs are right about
the amount of what I've been spending renting (actually a little
lower) and I'm about ready to schedule the pre-buy.

I live in Oklahoma so density altitude is noticeable, but not
necessarily a concern

Does anyone have some historical data of their own experiences (both
good and bad) with C-172L's?

Would you consider one as a practical first aircraft for a relatively
new pilot looking to get his instrument ticket and build hours?

Don