Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1500 of 4768 California car dealers from 6,571 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
733 of 1500 rated California dealers earn an A · 330 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 16, 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 1500 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4768 dealers →Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesCentury West BMW
Los Angeles, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesSangera Subaru
Bakersfield, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesRancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CARancho Santa Margarita, CA
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Mckenna Volkswagen Cerritos
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
Mckenna BMW
Norwalk, CANorwalk, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Watsonville Cadillac GMC
Watsonville, CAWatsonville, CA
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More Dealers in California
Bluestone Auto Sales Llc
West Sacramento, CA
Blvd Auto Solutions
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Bm Motors
Modesto, CA
BMW Fresno
Fresno, CA
BMW Of Buena Park
Buena Park, CA
BMW Of Chico
Chico, CA
BMW Of Monrovia
Monrovia, CA
BMW Of San Rafael
San Rafael, CA
BMW Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA
BMW Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Boardwalk Chevrolet
Redwood City, CA
Boardwalk Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Redwood City, CA
Boardwalk Lotus
Redwood City, CA
Boardwalk Motorcars
Victorville, CA
Boardwalk Volkswagen
Redwood City, CA
Bob's Fine Cars
Eureka, CA
Boktor Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Boldpilot Auto Llc
Glendale, CA
Bomarito Motors Inc.
Salinas, CA
Borderline Classics & Auto Sales
Dinuba, CA
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 1065 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,571 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?
Cb Chevrolet, Century West BMW, Sangera Subaru lead the California transparency rankings. 733 of 1500 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 $119. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 58% 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.