If you're planning on flying at least 400-500 miles I would highly recommend at LEAST a cessna 172, but then again, a 182 would be much better. I own a 1978 182Q and commute between Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa CA very frequently (about 290 nm). That plane not only gives you a very decent cruising speed, but also allows you to carry 4 people w/luggage (if you need to) and go over 1000nm w/ full fuel. Considering it has like .74 deaths per 100,000 hrs of flight it is also the second most safest plane to fly right behind the 172. Now I don't know if you have a predilection towards low wing or high wing aircraft, but if you're looking for a low wing equivalent, I'd look into the cherokee 240. The cherokee 240 is pretty similar to the 182 but it's really up to you. The one thing I can say about the 182 is that if you treat it right, ie lean it correctly during cruise, taxi, and for god's sake don't slam the throttle during pre-flight! the engine will last you as long as the FAA will allow (quick tip, get a JPI engine monitor installed for best results so you can see every CHT and EGT and will maximize both engine performance and longevity). The last annual I had on my airplane cost me $900 (average 182 annual goes between $1500-$3000), and we're not talking some cheapo A&P mechanic, this guy is really thorough, and because of that reason some people (mainly flight schools... ironic enough) won't take their planes to him cause it gets too expensive. He said I was the cheapest annual he's ever done (I don't know if he meant 182 annual, or just any annual in general). Anyway, sorry to ramble on about this, but I'm proud of the investment I've made because in the end, there's no feeling like cruising at 10,500ft for a few hours and thinking "I don't have anything to worry about..." of course you always want to be prepared
-=M=-