Best Car Dealers in California
As of August 2026, CarEdge grades 2343 of 5053 California car dealers from 10,326 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1349 of 2343 rated California dealers earn an A · 481 earn a D or F
Data updated Aug 29, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
77/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2343 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5053 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 28 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Woodland Hills, CAWoodland Hills, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Rusnak BMW
Westlake Village, CAWestlake Village, CA
South County Lexus
Mission Viejo, CAMission Viejo, CA
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More Dealers in California
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CA · 14 verified quotes
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA · 14 verified quotes
Mazda Of Vacaville
Vacaville, CA · 14 verified quotes
Valencia BMW
Santa Clarita, CA · 14 verified quotes
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA · 12 verified quotes
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 11 verified quotes
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA · 11 verified quotes
South Bay Ford
Hawthorne, CA · 11 verified quotes
Santa Cruz Subaru
Capitola, CA · 10 verified quotes
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · 10 verified quotes
Weir Canyon Honda
Yorba Linda, CA · 10 verified quotes
Autonation Mazda Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 9 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of San Francisco
South San Francisco, CA · 9 verified quotes
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CA · 9 verified quotes
Simpson Chevrolet Of Irvine
Irvine, CA · 9 verified quotes
Autonation Acura South Bay
Torrance, CA · 8 verified quotes
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CA · 8 verified quotes
Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CA · 8 verified quotes
Ken Grody Ford Orange County
Buena Park, CA · 8 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Long Beach
Signal Hill, CA · 8 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 August 2026, the average documentation fee at 1522 rated California dealers is $110, based on 10,326 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, Walnut Creek Ford, Galpin Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 1349 of 2343 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 $110. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 66% 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.