who wrote about it so hilariously in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream'...

What's the best handling car in the world?

A rented car!

I just love the screed where he's messing with the tire pressure on his rented caddy and the kid at the gas station won't help him with it (this was back in the days when there was a kid at the gas station to do your air and check your oil!)... as I recall he blows out some tires and then calls the rental car company and screams bloody murder to get him another car brought out right away... the nerve sending him out with a defective car!

of course the ice on the floor of the back seat to receive certain 'deposits' is another classic moment in rental car abuse.

haven't read the book in years but the OP's question brought it instantly to mind

I guess you know where I come down on the issue of buying a former rental