Captain Smithy, I can't afford to rent airplanes in the UK! so had to rent a shed in the USA, but certainly true you must beware beware beware!
The stupidest things can go wrong that you might never expect. The most you can hope for is that the engine keeps running, and if its a Lycoming it probably WILL keep running! bless them!
Actually one of my most exciting moments was at Orlando Executive, in a Cessna 152. Now the Cessna is a sturdy aircraft, puts up with all sorts of abuse, neglect and contempt, but it is the nursemaid of many of us starting a flying career. Orlando Executive is quite busy, all circuits and approaches are just underneath all those tourists flying into Disney International.....
I was preflighted, prepared, approved, cleared for takeoff. Throttle moved steadily and strongly forward, the little darling responded by eagerly surging forward, and I and my seat with the classic action/reaction scenario, slid backward and departed the controls! so I aborted the takeoff. Don't do that a lot, but seemed like a good idea. Sat there shaking, obstructing the active runway. Tower enquired snappily "Something the matter, Cessna 43885?" "My seat slid back!" "Expedite your return to base" recommended the tower, so I did.
Its a common fault aparently, and worth checking out, in more than just Cessnas.