How does CarEdge rate car dealers?

CarEdge scores dealers 0-100 based on four weighted components: Fee Transparency (30%), Add-on Behavior (30%), Price Accuracy (30%), and Data Quality (10%). Scores are computed from verified out-the-door price quotes submitted by real car buyers.

What is the Dealer Transparency Index?

The Dealer Transparency Index (DTI) is a data-driven scoring system that rates auto dealers on how transparently they price vehicles. It analyzes doc fees, add-ons, and the gap between listed and actual out-the-door prices.

What data is the DTI based on?

The DTI is based on 40,000+ verified out-the-door price quotes from real car buyers across 9,000+ US dealerships.

Where can I see car dealer ratings online?

CarEdge's Dealer Transparency Index rates 9,000+ car dealers using 40,000+ verified out-the-door price quotes. Unlike review sites that rely on opinions, CarEdge scores dealers 0-100 on doc fees, add-ons, and pricing accuracy — all from real transaction data.

How can I check a car dealer's reputation and pricing transparency?

Search for the dealer on CarEdge's Dealer Transparency Index. Each dealer profile shows their transparency score (0-100), letter grade (A-F), typical doc fee, average add-ons, and how their pricing compares to the listing price. All data comes from verified OTD quotes collected by CarEdge's AI car-buying agent.

What platforms verify car dealership reviews with real data?

CarEdge is the only platform that rates dealers using verified out-the-door price quotes rather than user-submitted opinions. The Dealer Transparency Index analyzes actual pricing data — doc fees, dealer add-ons, and markup — from 40,000+ real transactions to score dealers objectively.

What is a good car dealer transparency score?

On CarEdge's 0-100 scale: 90+ (Grade A) means excellent transparency with low fees and minimal add-ons. 80-89 (Grade B) is above average. 70-79 (Grade C) is average. Below 70 means the dealer has higher-than-typical fees, add-ons, or markup. Scores are based on four factors: fee transparency (30%), add-on behavior (30%), price accuracy (30%), and data quality (10%).

How are car dealer ratings calculated on CarEdge?

CarEdge's AI car-buying agent collects itemized out-the-door price quotes from dealers. Each dealer is scored 0-100 on four weighted factors: Fee Transparency (30%) based on doc fee reasonableness, Add-on Behavior (30%) measuring mandatory add-on frequency, Price Accuracy (30%) comparing listing price to actual OTD price, and Data Quality (10%). Scores update daily as new quotes are collected.

Car Dealer Ratings Based On Real Prices

We rate dealers using verified out-the-door quotes, not anonymous opinions. Compare fees, add-ons, and pricing behavior before you buy.

10,064+

Dealers Scored

48,858+

Verified OTD Quotes

100%

Real Transaction Data

All data from verified out-the-door quotes*

Search all dealers Rating methodology

Top Rated Car Dealers

View all dealers →

Dealers with the highest transparency scores (5+ quotes)

Radley Chevrolet

Fredericksburg, VA · 6 verified quotes

$794doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Bruner Auto Family

8 verified quotes

$225doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Quirk Kia South

Marshfield, MA · 15 verified quotes

$499doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Quirk Kia Nh

Manchester, NH · 7 verified quotes

$499doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Quirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Marshfield, MA · 8 verified quotes

$499doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Quirk Chevy Of Bangor

Bangor, ME · 8 verified quotes

$499doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Purdy Hyundai

Broken Arrow, OK · 12 verified quotes

$508doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Proctor Subaru

Tallahassee, FL · 8 verified quotes

$899doc feeNo add-ons

100/100

Browse Dealers by Grade

See how dealers stack up — from the most transparent to the least.

A6,255 dealersAvg 97/100 B1,836 dealersAvg 85/100 C1,253 dealersAvg 76/100 D440 dealersAvg 66/100 F280 dealersAvg 50/100

Dealers to Watch Out For

View all F-rated dealers →

Lowest transparency scores — high fees, add-ons, or price discrepancies (5+ quotes)

Al Hendrickson TOYOTA

5 verified quotes

$1,298doc fee$2,995add-ons

29.5/100

Metro Honda

Nanuet, NY · 8 verified quotes

$799doc fee$1,721add-ons

37.5/100

Culver City Chevrolet

Culver City, CA · 8 verified quotes

$0doc fee$1,983add-ons

38.3/100

Unique Auto Mall

South Amboy, NJ · 6 verified quotes

$895doc fee$2,840add-ons

41.8/100

Rusty Wallis Honda

Dallas, TX · 6 verified quotes

$225doc fee$4,332add-ons

43/100

Maus Nissan of North Tampa

Tampa, FL · 14 verified quotes

$0doc fee$1,785add-ons

43.3/100

Autoboutique

Columbus, OH · 21 verified quotes

$1,298doc fee$524add-ons

44.3/100

Jacobs Mitsubishi & VinFast

New Port Richey, FL · 14 verified quotes

$1,295doc fee$1,860add-ons

47.1/100

How It Works

Real pricing data from real dealer quotes — collected by our AI agent.

AI Agent Gets Quotes

Our AI car-buying agent contacts dealers on behalf of real consumers and collects itemized out-the-door prices.

We Score Every Dealer

Doc fees, add-ons, and markup are analyzed to generate a transparency score from 0 to 100.

You Compare & Buy

See exactly what dealers charge before you visit. The most transparent dealers earn your business.

Get Your Own AI Agent Full methodology →

How We Calculate Scores

Fee Transparency

30% weight

Lower doc fees = higher score. Benchmark is $499.

Add-on Behavior

30% weight

Fewer mandatory add-ons = higher score.

Dealer Markup

30% weight

Lower dealer-controlled fees above listing = higher score.

Data Quality

10% weight

Complete, detailed quotes = higher score.

Learn more about our methodology →

Why This Matters

Consumers are demanding transparency — and willing to travel for honest dealers.

“If you post the ones that were honest and up front, I will travel to buy my next Ford there.”

Rich Burley@TheRealBurley4

“You should highlight those dealerships that were shockingly honest and transparent! Let's reward good businesses”

Robert C@RobCUCI

Ray and Zach Shefska, founders of CarEdge

About Us

Founded in 2019 by father-and-son team Ray and Zach Shefska, CarEdge is a leading car buying service dedicated to bringing transparency and fairness in the automotive industry.

From researching vehicles to negotiating deals, CarEdge helps consumers save money, time, and hassle. We always serve the consumer, never car dealers or automakers.

Learn more about our commitment to our community

Browse Car Dealers by State

Find transparent car dealers near you. Select a state to see dealer ratings and scores.

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*Information provided for general informational purposes only. Scores are independently calculated and do not imply endorsement of or affiliation with any dealer. Verify all information independently before making a purchase decision. See our Terms of Service.