Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2632 of 5121 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 5121 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
Norm Reeves Genesis Of Irvine
Irvine, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Cadillac Of Chico
Chico, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Chuck Patterson Toyota
Chico, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
M&A Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Max General Trading Llc
Huntington Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Chevrolet Of Watsonville
Watsonville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Stg Bellflower
Bellflower, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Diamond Chevrolet Of Banning
Banning, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Sell My Rv Wizard
Riverside, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Unitedaccess
Santa Rosa, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
605 Auto Inc.
Bellflower, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Siry Auto
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Timmons Volkswagen Of Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ideal Motor Group Llc
San Gabriel, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Motors Llc
Anaheim, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
O'Gara Coach Company, Llc
Beverly Hills, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Toyota San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Valencia Acura
Santa Clarita, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Acura Of The Desert
Cathedral City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Affordable Luxury Autos
San Jacinto, 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.