Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1512 of 4787 California car dealers from 6,614 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $117.
738 of 1512 rated California dealers earn an A · 329 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 1512 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4787 dealers →Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesCadillac Marin
San Rafael, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesHeritage Ford
Modesto, CAModesto, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Shingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CAShingle Springs, CA
Toyota Of Orange
Orange, CAOrange, CA
Santa Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Mazda Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CAThousand Oaks, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Carworld
Hawthorne, CA
Carxplus Llc
Taft, CA
Caryou Llc
Huntington Beach, CA
Carz 88 Auto
West Covina, CA
Carz Hub Llc
Fullerton, CA
Carz Land
San Diego, CA
Carz Llc
San Diego, CA
Carz R Us
Lynwood, CA
Carzaar Auto Sale
Temecula, CA
Carzilla
Gilroy, CA
Carzoid
Santa Barbara, CA
Carzona
Roseville, CA
Carzone
Riverside, CA
Carzone Automall
South Gate, CA
Carzone Motors
Martinez, CA
Casa De Cadillac
Los Angeles, CA
Casey& 39 S Cars
Hermosa Beach, CA
Castro Motors
Oxnard, CA
Catalano Motors
Dana Point, CA
Catanos Auto Sales
Bakersfield, 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 1070 rated California dealers is $117, 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?
Harbor Chevrolet, BMW Of Santa Monica, Cadillac Marin lead the California transparency rankings. 738 of 1512 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 $117. 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.