This debate has waxed on for years on this forum. The general consensu is that as an IFR trainer...if you can do IFR in a 150/152 you can do so in about anything. As a cross-country hard IFR bird...you will be asking for a major workout. However, if you are looking for a way to deal with the occassional low overcast or fog, or short distance IFR trips, many successfully do so regularly in a 150/152.
Bottom line, I still think that you need to look at your overall mission and how important this piece is compared to the rest. Maybe you would be happier with a Cherokee or early 172, but you just need to dig a tad deeper for acquisition costs.
Maybe you should look at the Cardinal too (177). The 68 models with 150hp engine are underpowered as a 4 place but make a great 2 plus 2 airplane and can be had in the high 30's to low 40's. They are a subperb instrument platform due to their stability. (check out the classifieds for Cessna 177 then find the 1968 models with O-320 engine.
Good Luck
