I'd say getting through your solo would be helpful. Getting some time in a decent simulator doing IFR stuff would also be helpful. Knowing how to read the needles was EXTREMELY helpful to me in primary and advanced. I saw numerous people struggling with BIs (basic instrument maneuvers) and RIs (IFR stuff) and it all seemed easy to me. Most sims are free/cheap to use also. Just gotta cover the instructor's time. Mine used to just give me assignments to do in the sim (fly X route, hold, shoot an approach) and then come back to check my work on the computer haha. It was a good way to get some free/cheap instruction.
So, to directly answer your question, a PPL? IMHO, NO. Some time wiggling the sticks/yoke? YES. Knowing how to tune up a navaid and navigate/shoot an approach (and actually be confident/comfortable while doing it)? DEFINITELY.