Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1526 of 4789 California car dealers from 6,639 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $117.
741 of 1526 rated California dealers earn an A · 337 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 18, 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 1526 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4789 dealers →Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesCentury West BMW
Los Angeles, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesChico Mazda
Chico, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesKeyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Weir Canyon Honda
Yorba Linda, CAYorba Linda, CA
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
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More Dealers in California
Contra Costa Auto Sales
Oakley, CA
Contra Costa County Publi
Pittsburg, CA
Convoy Motors
San Diego, CA
Convoy Motors Llc
National City, CA
Copleywest Corporation
Newport Beach, CA
Core Motors Llc
Bakersfield, CA
Corning Auto Sales
Corning, CA
Corning Ford
Corning, CA
Corona Auto Specialist Inc
Victorville, CA
Corona Auto Wholesale
Corona, CA
Corporate Fleet Sales
Pittsburg, CA
Corsa Galleria
Glendale, CA
Corvette Mike
Anaheim, CA
Corvette Mike Southern California
Anaheim, CA
Coss Y Leon Auto Sales
Visalia, CA
Cost Less Auto
Rocklin, CA
Costa Mesa Chevrolet
Costa Mesa, CA
Cotera Motors Inc
Sacramento, CA
Country Motors
Salinas, CA
Countywide Motor Group
Orange, 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 1077 rated California dealers is $117, based on 6,639 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?
Autonation Ford Torrance, Century West BMW, Chico Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 741 of 1526 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.