If it Flies, Floats or F*@#s
Then it's cheaper to rent by the hour
Only if you don't care who else has been messing with it (her)
I would not get into most rental hardware if you paid me for it (seriously).
Probably OK for going from Shoreham to Goodwood, if keeping well away from the sea
If you want the highest level of maintenance, safety, convenience, access for long trips (and without the occassional long trips, you will get bored soon enough) then ownership outright, or in a small syndicate of well matched people, is the only way. N-reg is even better.
Sharpend could get an aircraft that meets all his requirements at 10% of the cost.
Only if he is happy to fly junk.