Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1511 of 4779 California car dealers from 6,614 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
734 of 1511 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 1511 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4779 dealers →Capistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesHarbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Dublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CACalabasas, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Car Connections
Modesto, CA
Car Deal Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Car Deals 4 You
Whittier, CA
Car Depot
Pasadena, CA
Car Direct
Orange, CA
Car Expo Auto Sales
Downey, CA
Car Ez Motors
Riverside, CA
Car Finali Inc
Fremont, CA
Car Genie
Patterson, CA
Car Giant Auto Sales
Modesto, CA
Car Gro
Los Angeles, CA
Car Hub
West Covina, CA
Car Hunters, Llc
Santa Clara, CA
Car King
San Marcos, CA
Car Line | Sales & Leasing
Los Angeles, CA
Car Mart
Los Angeles, CA
Car Master
Fresno, CA
Car Nation Auto Sales Inc.
Sacramento, CA
Car O'clock
Los Angeles, CA
Car Pawn 4 U Dealership
Anderson, 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 1071 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,614 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?
Capistrano Volkswagen, Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Harbor Chevrolet lead the California transparency rankings. 734 of 1511 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.