Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2647 of 5053 California car dealers from 9,620 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
1226 of 2647 rated California dealers earn an A · 948 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 2647 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5053 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 26 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$34 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
E3 Autos
Orange, CANo Pricing Provided
Dryve Vehicle Sales & Leasing
San Diego, CANo Pricing Provided
Drivex
Walnut Creek, CANo Pricing Provided
World Motors Inc
Ontario, CANo Pricing Provided
Dream Line Motor
Glendale, CANo Pricing Provided
Downtown Subaru Of Oakland
Oakland, CANo Pricing Provided
Don Jose Auto Sales
Watsonville, CANo Pricing Provided
Worldwide Auto Sales
San Jose, CANo Pricing Provided
Dnz Automotive Sales & Service
Costa Mesa, CANo Pricing Provided
Dinuba Auto Plaza
Dinuba, CANo Pricing Provided
Diamond Mazda
Lancaster, CANo Pricing Provided
Diamond Auto Exchange
Colton, CANo Pricing Provided
Diamond Auto
Sacramento, CANo Pricing Provided
Detroit Motors
Corona, CANo Pricing Provided
Delta Motors
Concord, CANo Pricing Provided
Dcm909
Yucaipa, CANo Pricing Provided
Dch Ford Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CANo Pricing Provided
1 Auto Deal
Orange, CA
1 Stop Auto
El Cajon, CA
1 Stop Auto Mart
Garden Grove, CA
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 1799 rated California dealers is $119, based on 9,620 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. 1226 of 2647 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 $119. 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.