Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2649 of 5178 California car dealers from 9,649 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $120.
1229 of 2649 rated California dealers earn an A · 947 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 26, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
72/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2649 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5178 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$35 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CA
$35 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 26 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$35 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Roseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
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More Dealers in California
Mercedes-Benz Of San Jose
San Jose, CA · 11 verified quotes
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CA · 11 verified quotes
Stevens Creek Subaru
San Jose, CA · 10 verified quotes
Vista Ford Lincoln
Woodland Hills, CA · 10 verified quotes
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CA · 9 verified quotes
Ken Grody Ford Orange County
Buena Park, CA · 9 verified quotes
Santa Cruz Subaru
Capitola, CA · 9 verified quotes
Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CA · 8 verified quotes
Honda Of The Desert
Cathedral City, CA · 8 verified quotes
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA · 8 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Long Beach
Signal Hill, CA · 8 verified quotes
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CA · 8 verified quotes
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · 8 verified quotes
Weir Canyon Honda
Yorba Linda, CA · 8 verified quotes
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA · 7 verified quotes
Future Kia Of Clovis
Clovis, CA · 7 verified quotes
Hansel Ford
Santa Rosa, CA · 7 verified quotes
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA · 7 verified quotes
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CA · 7 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of San Francisco
South San Francisco, CA · 7 verified quotes
Dealers by City in California
California doc fee law
California caps dealer documentation fees at $85, one of the lowest limits in the country. If a California quote shows a higher "doc" or "processing" line item, question it — dealers there make their margin elsewhere, typically on add-ons and financing.
California Dealer FAQ
What is the average dealer doc fee in California?
As of September 2026, the average documentation fee at 1802 rated California dealers is $120, based on 9,649 verified out-the-door quotes collected by CarEdge. State law caps California doc fees at approximately $85.
Who are the best car dealers in California?
Ford Fairfield, Gardena Honda, Toyota Of Orange lead the California transparency rankings. 1229 of 2649 rated California dealers earned an A grade for fair fees, minimal add-ons, and honest pricing.
How are California dealers graded?
Each dealer is scored 0-100 from verified out-the-door price quotes: fee transparency (30%), add-on behavior (30%), price accuracy (30%), and data quality (10%). Grades update as new California quotes are verified.
How California compares to its neighbors
Average doc fees next door. Crossing a state line can change what the dealer charges.
Tips for Buying a Car in California
- Know the doc fee: The average doc fee in California is $120. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 68% of dealers in California charge no mandatory add-ons.
- Get multiple quotes: Request OTD quotes from at least 3 dealers to compare total prices, not just sticker prices.
- Check transparency scores: Dealers with scores above 80 typically have fair doc fees and minimal add-ons.