Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2632 of 5139 California car dealers from 9,546 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $125.
1228 of 2632 rated California dealers earn an A · 924 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 24, 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 2632 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5139 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$40 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CA
$40 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$40 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 24 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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Royal Motors
Rocklin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rs Auto Centers
Lemoore, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rtr Auto Sales
Upland, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rubens Imports
Dana Point, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sandiegocarforsale.Com
Lemon Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
San Diego Classic Car Center
Spring Valley, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
San Francisco Sports Cars
San Carlos, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Santa Monica Chrysler Jeep Dodge And Ram
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Santa Monica GMC Inc
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Save Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sedona Motors
Glendora, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Selma, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sherriff In Town Auto
Colton, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Shmizzy's Garage Llc
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Silicon Valley Automotive Llc
Gilroy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Silver Star Auto
San Bernardino, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
So Cal Motorcars
Palm Desert, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Solutions Auto Sales Corp
Orange, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Special Auto Group Llc
Burbank, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Spreen Acura
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
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 1812 rated California dealers is $125, based on 9,546 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. 1228 of 2632 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 $125. 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.