Hello, despite being a seasoned traveller since I was a teen and flying several times per month to various parts of the World (90% of the time within Europe) I've never actually had to rent a car before up until now, at the age of 24.

In May this year I plan to drive from Portland (Oregon) to San Francisco, planning to spend approx 1 week on the road sightseeing.

Prices seem pretty high with a one-way drop fee minimum $250 with most companies, but I've managed to find that I can reduce this by swapping cars in Crescent City (on the California border) using Hertz, which only requires a $100 one-way drop fee for the 1st section of the trip from Portland-Crescent City and then no drop fee if I pick up a 2nd car for the leg from Crescent City to San Francisco. Are there any flaws in this plan that I should be prepared for, except of course the slight hassle of the extra paperwork for an hour or so swapping cars in Crescent City?

My main question is this: Is there anything to be gained by waiting until nearer the time to confirm the rental (i.e. promotional rates/sales etc?) or is it best to secure the rental as far in advance as possible? I know most tricks in the book when it comes ot budget travel by trains/planes/hotels, but I'm afraid that I know nothing at all about the tactics that car rental companies use in order to maximise their revenue! For example I know with Ryanair that their cheapest fares tend to be approx 2 months in advance when they put everything on sale, do car companies employ similar tactics or should I just book it ASAP? I also have to pay $15 a day extra young driver's fee with Hertz too when renting in the USA, so any tactics to help bring the cost of the rental down slightly would be much appreciated!