While I like the idea of being in charge there's a lot to be said for joining an existing group. Less aggro.
Well, that is one of the major ownership tradeoffs. In life, you cannot have control without responsibility
In GA, the choice tends to be
- rent, no hassle, but the planes tend to be crap
- buy something decent, but have to look after it (and pay up when you have to)
There is no escape, unless you happen to have a modern school nearby. Unfortunately, 'modern' tends to mean the Diamond DA40/42.
The DA40 is a 2-up plane which is flown with just one hand on the controls (because the reliability of the diesel engine is so poor you fly with the other hand's fingers firmly crossed behind your back).
The DA42 is much nicer but you need a ME PPL, and it costs a fair bit more to rent.