Little word of advice from an old grayed haired guy. Contact the local Flight Standard District Office (FSDO) that over sees the flight school you want to go to. Explain what you want to do and ask lots of questions about the school from the airworthiness and operation inspector assigned to the school. They may not be able to tell you everything, but you should be able to read between the lines about the quality of instruction and condition of the aircraft.
You can find the local FSDO on line at
FAA - Home a telephone call could clear up a bunch of questions and maybe save you a pocket full of change.
Just one man's opinion.