In that case, I'd plan on a hotel stop midway, say PA or WV.
What I usually do, like when I drove to AL or last year when I drove to IL, is to wait until around 4-6pm, then drive as long as possible, which is usually around the PA border before I get tired. PA is a long, pretty boring drive. But, VA is worse because speeding is a no-go. So, I'd stop either at the NY/PA border or WV panhandle.
If you do get a rental, you'd have the advantage of better MPGs if you go with something like a hatchback. If you keep the driving aspect as economical as possible, you can get away with three or four tanks of gas and minimal amounts on food. Packing food and drinks is even better.
If you use your own car, obviously you'd want to change the oil before leaving and upon getting home and bring stuff like an air compressor and other tools.