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
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More Dealers in California
Orange County Used Cars
Mission Viejo, CANo Pricing Provided
Car Ave
Fresno, CANo Pricing Provided
Sac City Motors
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Sacramento Motors
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Volkswagen Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CANo Pricing Provided
Sac Truck Depot
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Safa Motors
Roseville, CANo Pricing Provided
Safemaxx Auto Sales
Placerville, CANo Pricing Provided
Orange Auto Sales Llc
Orange, CANo Pricing Provided
Option One Automotive
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Optima Auto Leasing Llc
La Crescenta-Montrose, CANo Pricing Provided
Best Quality Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CANo Pricing Provided
Open Country Motorsports Llc
Roseville, CANo Pricing Provided
Onyx Motorsports Inc
Fresno, CANo Pricing Provided
Sammy J Auto Sales
San Diego, CANo Pricing Provided
Best Price Auto Sales
Turlock, CANo Pricing Provided
Ontario Auto Center
Ontario, CANo Pricing Provided
San Diego Auto Club
Spring Valley, CANo Pricing Provided
San Diego Auto House
San Diego, CANo Pricing Provided
San Diego Beemers
San Diego, 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.