Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1513 of 4780 California car dealers from 6,635 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
735 of 1513 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 1513 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4780 dealers →Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesMercedes-Benz Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesHyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Cruz Toyota
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Simpson Chevrolet Of Irvine
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Simpson Buick GMC
Buena Park, CABuena Park, CA
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Toyota Glendora
Glendora, CAGlendora, CA
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CAEl Cajon, CA
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More Dealers in California
Carget Automotive
Stanton, CA
Carget Cars Inc
Brea, CA
Carin Auto
Santa Ana, CA
Carizma Auto Sales Llc
Roseville, CA
Carking
Lamont, CA
Carland Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Carless
Orange, CA
Carlink
Ceres, CA
Carlux Lax
Inglewood, CA
Carmania
Los Angeles, CA
Carmax Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
Carmax Buena Park
Buena Park, CA
Carmax Burbank
Burbank, CA
Carmax Canoga Park
Los Angeles, CA
Carmax Capitol Expressway
San Jose, CA
Carmax Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, CA
Carmax El Cajon
El Cajon, CA
Carmax Escondido
Escondido, CA
Carmax Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
Carmax Fremont
Fremont, 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 1073 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,635 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?
Santa Maria, Mercedes-Benz Of Beverly Hills, Hyundai Of Santa Maria lead the California transparency rankings. 735 of 1513 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.