Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1510 of 4779 California car dealers from 6,602 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
734 of 1510 rated California dealers earn an A · 335 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 1510 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4779 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CACalabasas, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Cali Coast Cars Llc
Oceanside, CA
Cali Motorsport
Sacramento, CA
Calidad Motors Inc
Concord, CA
Calidad Motors, Inc
Concord, CA
California Auto
Bell, CA
California Auto Brokers
Pleasant Hill, CA
California Auto Connection
Watsonville, CA
California Auto Deals
Sacramento, CA
California Auto Direct
Costa Mesa, CA
California Auto Enterprises
San Jose, CA
California Auto Expert
Ontario, CA
California Auto Finance Group
Fontana, CA
California Auto Group
San Diego, CA
California Auto Import
San Diego, CA
California Auto Inc.
Rosemead, CA
California Auto Mall
Los Angeles, CA
California Auto Resources
Bellflower, CA
California Auto Sales
Auburn, CA
California Auto Sales
Orangevale, CA
California Auto Sales
Temecula, 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 1069 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,602 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, Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad, Autonation Subaru Carlsbad lead the California transparency rankings. 734 of 1510 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.