Always remember the common rule of thumbs, if flown frequently you spend about the purchase price per year on an aircraft.
That certainly has not been my experience, nor that of most owners I know.
Remember that direct operating costs are not an element of the value of the aircraft, nor unique to ownership. You're paying for gas, insurance, airport fees and maintenance no matter how you fly.
Ownership includes the otherwise not present risk of unexpected expense, but introduces operational freedom, and the opportunity to recover at least some of the value of the aircraft when you sell it.