Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2637 of 5119 California car dealers from 9,560 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $124.
1232 of 2637 rated California dealers earn an A · 930 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 2637 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5119 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$39 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CA
$39 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$39 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
Quality Auto Dealer
Hayward, CANo Pricing Provided
Quality Auto Sales
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Premier Car Source
Orange, CANo Pricing Provided
Victorville Auto Sales
Victorville, CANo Pricing Provided
Preloved Ride Factory
Thousand Oaks, CANo Pricing Provided
Quantum Cars Co
Huntington Beach, CANo Pricing Provided
California Auto Import
San Diego, CANo Pricing Provided
California Beemers Teslers
Costa Mesa, CANo Pricing Provided
Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Hemet, CANo Pricing Provided
California Imports
Huntington Beach, CANo Pricing Provided
Ramos Motors
Fontana, CANo Pricing Provided
Porsche Long Beach
Long Beach, CANo Pricing Provided
Rbo Auto
Belmont, CANo Pricing Provided
Hellcat Motors Llc
Santa Rosa, CANo Pricing Provided
Calstate Oc Auto
Santa Ana, CANo Pricing Provided
Hayward Motor Group
Hayward, CANo Pricing Provided
Camacho Auto Sales
Palmdale, CANo Pricing Provided
Canyon Car Company
Canyon Lake, CANo Pricing Provided
Ponderosa Auto Plaza
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Victory Motors Inc
Modesto, CANo Pricing Provided
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 $124, based on 9,560 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. 1232 of 2637 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 $124. 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.