When to rent or buy (not homes)

[imoldernu]

Amethyst wrote about renting a truck on another thread. It triggered some questions that I have about renting, vs. buying.

"What's the best thing to do?"
"What's the cost?"
"Legal aspects - Insurance - Broken rental item"
"Where to rent?"
"Renter's legal responsibilities - ability to use safely use the item?"
"Contract?"

My current issue is buying a recliner from a local store (1/4 mile away). The minimum cost to deliver is $50, and this seems high. I no longer know anyone who has a pick-up, so between taxes and shipping the $500 recliner will end up costing nearly $600.

So, what items have you rented, why, and the downsides to renting.

[Walt34]

I've rented specialized and expensive tools, like a core lawn aerator, that were close to $1,500 to buy and I think $50 to rent for a half day.

[CoolChange]

Various personal watercraft over the years.

I love riding 'em; but, I don't do it nearly often enough to own one.