Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1529 of 4793 California car dealers from 6,643 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $117.
741 of 1529 rated California dealers earn an A · 339 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 1529 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4793 dealers →Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesKeyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesMossy Nissan National City
National City, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesKearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Tustin Cadillac
Tustin, CATustin, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Tuttle Click
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Tuttle-Click Ford
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CACalabasas, CA
Tuttle Click Mazda
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Drivetime Downey
Downey, CA
Drivetime Fresno
Fresno, CA
Drivetime Modesto
Modesto, CA
Drivetime Montclair
Montclair, CA
Drivetime Riverside
Riverside, CA
Drivetime Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Drivetime SAN Diego
El Cajon, CA
Drivetime Torrance
Torrance, CA
Driveup Llc
San Diego, CA
Drivix
Irvine, CA
Dryve Vehicle Sales & Leasing
San Diego, CA
Dtr Auto
San Diego, CA
Dublin Acura
Dublin, CA
Dublin Cadillac
Dublin, CA
Dublin Infiniti
Dublin, CA
Dublin Toyota
Dublin, CA
Dublin Volkswagen
Dublin, CA
Duchine Auto Group Llc
Vallejo, CA
Ducky's Auto Sales
San Bernardino, CA
Duckys Auto Sales
San Bernardino, 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 1078 rated California dealers is $117, based on 6,643 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?
Porsche Ontario, Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills, Mossy Nissan National City lead the California transparency rankings. 741 of 1529 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.