Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2600 of 5018 California car dealers from 11,909 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1550 of 2600 rated California dealers earn an A · 506 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 19, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
77/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2600 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5018 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Woodland Hills, CAWoodland Hills, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Honda San Carlos
San Carlos, CA · 4 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Foothill Ranch
Lake Forest, CA · 4 verified quotes
Moss Bros Toyota
Moreno Valley, CA · 4 verified quotes
Serramonte Kia
Colma, CA · 4 verified quotes
Toyota Of Riverside
Riverside, CA · 86 verified quotes
Keyes Toyota
Los Angeles, CA · 43 verified quotes
Lexus Of Riverside
Riverside, CA · 34 verified quotes
Toyota Chula Vista
Chula Vista, CA · 29 verified quotes
Honda Of Stevens Creek
San Jose, CA · 28 verified quotes
Tim Moran Ford
Hemet, CA · 26 verified quotes
BMW Of Fremont
Fremont, CA · 25 verified quotes
Folsom Lake Toyota
Folsom, CA · 24 verified quotes
Autonation Toyota Hayward
Hayward, CA · 23 verified quotes
BMW Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 23 verified quotes
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CA · 22 verified quotes
Mazda San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 21 verified quotes
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 20 verified quotes
Toyota Pasadena
Pasadena, CA · 20 verified quotes
Toyota Of Escondido
Escondido, CA · 19 verified quotes
Autonation Ford Tustin
Tustin, CA · 17 verified quotes
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 1683 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,909 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, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1550 of 2600 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 $110. 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.