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
Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Go Motors
Hemet, CANo Pricing Provided
Golden State Auto Brokers Llc
Santa Rosa, CANo Pricing Provided
C.J. Auto Sales
Riverbank, CANo Pricing Provided
Avis Car Sales Colton
Colton, CANo Pricing Provided
GMC Of Chico
Chico, CANo Pricing Provided
Michellin Motors Llc
Hayward, CANo Pricing Provided
Clf Auto Sales, Inc
Ontario, CANo Pricing Provided
Avangard Auto Sales Llc
Roseville, CANo Pricing Provided
Signal Auto
Los Angeles, CANo Pricing Provided
E3 Autos
Orange, CANo Pricing Provided
Givi Auto Sales
Irvine, CANo Pricing Provided
The Truck & Suv Center
Escondido, CANo Pricing Provided
Auto World Fremont
Fremont, CANo Pricing Provided
Auto Union
Los Angeles, CANo Pricing Provided
Autotific
Santa Ana, CANo Pricing Provided
Autostop Group
Los Angeles, CANo Pricing Provided
964 Motorsport Llc
Fremont, CANo Pricing Provided
Auto Resources
Merced, CANo Pricing Provided
786 Auto Sales
Fresno, CANo Pricing Provided
Mira Loma Auto Center
Fontana, 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.