Colin:
It's been quite a few years since I last went to Reno so this info may be a little dated. If you don't already have a room booked it may be quite difficult to do so now. Staying downtown Reno is usually the best thing to do that way you have something to do at night.
Car hire would usually be best at the airport with any of the major agencies: Hertz, Budget, Alamo, National, Avis, etc Ask for an airline discount, they are usually pretty good about that.
TP