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
Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Gill Chevrolet
Kerman, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Maserati Alfa Romeo Fiat Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Genesis Of Escondido
Escondido, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Gilroy Buick GMC
Gilroy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Hello Subaru Of Temecula
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Luis Padilla
Laguna Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pioneer Auto Group
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Alpha Auto Sac
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Nukar Company
Murrieta, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Valley Hi Kia
Victorville, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Kienle Motor Sports, Llc (Porsche Ontario)
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Acura Of Modesto
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Ez Motors
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lumin Fisker
Sacramento, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Allstar Kia San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Crevier MINI
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Glenn E Thomas 100 Years Of Excellence
Signal Hill, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Gilroy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Gilroy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Maverick Toyota
Lemon Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ferrari Los Angeles
Los Angeles, 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.