I've been a SEL (single engine land) private pilot for about 28 years now. Never did get that instrument rating (that's been on my 'to-do' list for about 28 years). That said, I find that flying in my own plane from Dallas to Southern Colorado for example (just over 4 hours) is break even in terms of total cost to drive and a huge savings in terms of time and fatigue. If you're flying more than 3 people then flying yourself is way ahead of flying commercial. Double that trip and the cost vs. commercial gets much closer.

If you're renting then you can't fly distances economically. A 172 rents for $120/hr but you can buy, fuel, and maintain a used 172 for half that. If you're serious about wanting to fly and think, based on your preview flight, that you'll love it then you will be way ahead if you buy a plane and learn to fly in it.

But as has been said before, if you love it you can make it work out. If it's purely about economy, then take the bus.