Is it better to buy and own a car or rent a car?

Buy it. Be cheaper

Define "better"

buy a used car

Not a simple question to answer.

You need to look at your usage and costs to decide.

buy a used car that works great?

Renting is always more expensive. Only rent a car for short term use.

My decision (I'm European) has always been to buy and own one, because with a little bit of maintenance, you can drive a used car for two years and sell it at almost the same price you bought it for.

I drove cars my company let to me, and these were partly damaged and crap, because noone took care of them. And I guess rented cars look similar.

Buying is better. leasing a vehicle is the most expensive way to get one.

WTF renting would kill ya, buy something used

You mean lease vs buy? There are no long-term rental programs I know of that wouldn't be expensive.

Lease Advantages: new car every 2-3 years, only scheduled maintenance needed (sometimes it's included in the price),

Lease Cons: no equity, continually making payments, insurance rate higher as it's a new car, responsible for damage.

Buy New Advantage: new car; lower interest payments; when paid off continual ownership is lower but higher maintenance costs.

Buy New Cons: higher insurance; instant depreciation;

Buy Used Advantage: Major depreciation already taken; cheaper cost; look for off-lease models for best value

Buy Used Cons: higher interest rate; older car.

Overall best strategy is to buy a low-mileage 2-3 year old, off-lease vehicle for best price and long term equity.