Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1501 of 4779 California car dealers from 6,587 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
733 of 1501 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 1501 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4779 dealers →Carfam
Bloomington, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesCarfornia.Com
Livermore, CA
$49 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesGalaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CA
$49 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesChavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
Audi San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Audi San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Bucketbuddy Auto Llc
Sacramento, CA
Budget Auto Sales
Corona, CA
Budget Car Sales And Rental Of Norwalk
Norwalk, CA
Buena Park Nissan
Buena Park, CA
Buggy Bank
Berkeley, CA
Bula Auto Sales Llc
Richmond, CA
Bunnin Chevrolet Of Santa Paula
Santa Paula, CA
Burks Auto Sales
Antioch, CA
Buy Your Ride
Simi Valley, CA
Buyright Auto
Los Angeles, CA
Byrdluxe Motors
Inglewood, CA
C & C Auto Sales
Colton, CA
C & L Motors Inc.
Santa Rosa, CA
C.J. Auto Sales
Riverbank, CA
C. H. Auto Sales
Citrus Heights, CA
C.i.t Motors
Los Angeles, CA
C&c Delivery Guyz Llc
San Pablo, CA
C&c Wholesale
Modesto, CA
C&k Auto Sales Llc
San Leandro, CA
Ca Lease Returns
Livermore, 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 1066 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,587 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?
Carfam, Carfornia.Com, Galaxy Auto Deals Inc lead the California transparency rankings. 733 of 1501 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.