Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1510 of 4779 California car dealers from 6,609 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
733 of 1510 rated California dealers earn an A · 335 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 17, 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 →Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 26 verified quotes
See the quotesKia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesMazda Of Escondido
Escondido, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Rotolo Chevrolet
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Roseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Watsonville Cadillac GMC
Watsonville, CAWatsonville, CA
Roseville Chevrolet
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
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More Dealers in California
Capciti Auto Inc
Roseville, CA
Capital 5 Auto Sales Inc
Sacramento, CA
Capital Auto Source
Sacramento, CA
Capital City Auto Sport
Rancho Cordova, CA
Capital City Used Auto Sales
Orangevale, CA
Capitol Chevrolet
San Jose, CA
Capitol Honda
San Jose, CA
Capitol INFINITI
San Jose, CA
Capstone Auto Financial
Clovis, CA
Car Bakers
Bakersfield, CA
Car Bazaar Inc
Hayward, CA
Car Bazar Llc
Fremont, CA
Car Busters
Hayward, CA
Car Castle
Fullerton, CA
Car City
Glendale, CA
Car City Ontario
Ontario, CA
Car City Sales
Glendale, CA
Car Co
Richmond, CA
Car Company La
Los Angeles, CA
Car Connections
Modesto, 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 6,609 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?
Walnut Creek Ford, Kia Of Alhambra, Mazda Of Escondido lead the California transparency rankings. 733 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.