Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2642 of 5059 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 5059 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
Rbo Auto
Belmont, CANo Pricing Provided
Pro Motorcars
Costa Mesa, CANo Pricing Provided
Affordable Cars And Trucks
San Jose, CANo Pricing Provided
Worldwide Auto Sales
San Jose, CANo Pricing Provided
Mostar Motors
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Motor City Buick GMC
Bakersfield, CANo Pricing Provided
Prosperity Auto Sales Llc
Turlock, CANo Pricing Provided
Motor Hub Usa
Loomis, CANo Pricing Provided
Motor Master
Baldwin Park, CANo Pricing Provided
Akal Auto Sales
Modesto, CANo Pricing Provided
Premier Car Source
Orange, CANo Pricing Provided
Motors Unlimited
San Bernardino, CANo Pricing Provided
Preloved Ride Factory
Thousand Oaks, CANo Pricing Provided
Autonation Ford Valencia
Santa Clarita, CANo Pricing Provided
Alfa 1 Auto
Long Beach, CANo Pricing Provided
Sk Auto Solutions, Inc
Rancho Cordova, CANo Pricing Provided
Mountain Auto
Jackson, CANo Pricing Provided
Msk Group
Los Angeles, CANo Pricing Provided
Don Jose Auto Sales
Watsonville, CANo Pricing Provided
Mv Automotive Llc
San Leandro, 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.