Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1836 of 4804 California car dealers from 7,849 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
924 of 1836 rated California dealers earn an A · 406 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 26, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1836 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4804 dealers →Sunnyvale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Sunnyvale, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesKia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesStevens Creek Kia
San Jose, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesJim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Audi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
One Toyota Of Oakland
Oakland, CAOakland, CA
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More Dealers in California
Audi San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 4 verified quotes
Raceway Ford
Riverside, CA · 4 verified quotes
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CA · 5 verified quotes
Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · 3 verified quotes
Sunnyvale Volkswagen
Sunnyvale, CA · 7 verified quotes
Sunnyvale Ford
Sunnyvale, CA · 4 verified quotes
Car Pros Honda El Monte
El Monte, CA · 7 verified quotes
Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CA · 4 verified quotes
Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA · 44 verified quotes
Capistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CA · 7 verified quotes
Winn Volkswagen Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA · 3 verified quotes
Volvo Cars San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 5 verified quotes
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CA · 4 verified quotes
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CA · 3 verified quotes
Heritage Ford
Modesto, CA · 3 verified quotes
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA · 12 verified quotes
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 6 verified quotes
Simi Valley
Simi Valley, CA · 4 verified quotes
Volvo Cars Chico
Chico, CA · 3 verified quotes
Volvo Cars Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 5 verified quotes
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 July 2026, the average documentation fee at 1257 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,849 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?
Sunnyvale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Kia Of Alhambra, Stevens Creek Kia lead the California transparency rankings. 924 of 1836 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 $112. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 62% 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.