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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Courtesy Used Cars
Eureka, CA
Covina Hills Chevrolet
Covina, CA
Coyote Auto Sales
Stockton, CA
Craxen Premium Cars Llc
Sacramento, CA
Crazy 8 Motors Llc
San Leandro, CA
Crazy Car
Ontario, CA
Credence Auto Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
Credit Mundo Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
Crestview Cadillac
West Covina, CA
Crevier MINI
Santa Ana, CA
Crowley Car Company
El Cajon, CA
Crown Auto Gallery
Corona, CA
Crown City Motors
Pasadena, CA
Crown Classics And Hot Rods
Ventura, CA
Crown Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Ventura, CA
Crown Ford
Redding, CA
Crown Honda
Redding, CA
Crown Nissan
Redding, CA
Crown Vic Auto Sales
San Jose, CA
Cruise Auto Sales Llc
La Mesa, 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.