Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2642 of 5119 California car dealers from 9,584 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $122.
1229 of 2642 rated California dealers earn an A · 938 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 25, 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 2642 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5119 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$37 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CA
$37 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$37 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 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
Chevrolet Of Montebello
Montebello, CANo Pricing Provided
Chevrolet Of Puente Hills
City of Industry, CANo Pricing Provided
Flying Wheels Auto Sales Llc
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Happy Motors
Los Angeles, CANo Pricing Provided
Hanlees Hilltop GMC
Richmond, CANo Pricing Provided
Hancock Automotive
San Diego, CANo Pricing Provided
San Jose Auto Sales Inc
San Jose, CANo Pricing Provided
Chiltern Motor Car Company
Ventura, CANo Pricing Provided
Mendoza Automotive Group
Bakersfield, CANo Pricing Provided
East Bay Motors Llc
Castro Valley, CANo Pricing Provided
Folsom Lake Autos
Orangevale, CANo Pricing Provided
Chula Vista Auto
Chula Vista, CANo Pricing Provided
Virtuoso Performance
Hayward, CANo Pricing Provided
Metric Motors
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Awesome Deal Motors Inc
Hayward, CANo Pricing Provided
Green Life Motors
San Rafael, CANo Pricing Provided
Greater LA Auto Center
Los Angeles, CANo Pricing Provided
San Diego Beemers
San Diego, CANo Pricing Provided
Metro Auto
La Habra, CANo Pricing Provided
The La Car Guys
Azusa, 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 1806 rated California dealers is $122, based on 9,584 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. 1229 of 2642 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 $122. 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.