Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2629 of 5117 California car dealers from 9,518 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $125.
1227 of 2629 rated California dealers earn an A · 923 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 2629 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5117 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
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More Dealers in California
Concord Kia
Concord, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Karwow
Corona, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
805 Auto Group
Thousand Oaks, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Alsbou Motors - Santa Ana
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Covina Hills Chevrolet
Covina, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Infiniti Of Downtown La
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Joe Giacomo's Martin
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pro X Motors
South Gate, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rj Motors Group
Sonoma, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
La City Cars
Inglewood, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Nissan Of Stockton
Stockton, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Marvin K. Brown Auto Center
San Diego, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
National City Auto Center
National City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Genesis Of Victorville
Victorville, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Diamond Ford
Lancaster, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Madera Auto Center
Chowchilla, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
South Coast Mitsubishi
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Elk Grove Acura
Elk Grove, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
BMW Of San Rafael
San Rafael, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kearny Mesa Ford
San Diego, 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 1810 rated California dealers is $125, based on 9,518 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. 1227 of 2629 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.