Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1542 of 4793 California car dealers from 6,655 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $117.
740 of 1542 rated California dealers earn an A · 351 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 19, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
74/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1542 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4793 dealers →Mckenna Volkswagen Cerritos
Cerritos, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesCarfam
Bloomington, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesNorm Reeves Ford Superstore Cerritos
Cerritos, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesPutnam Kia
Burlingame, CABurlingame, CA
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
South Bay Ford
Hawthorne, CAHawthorne, CA
North Bay Ford
Santa Cruz, CASanta Cruz, CA
Watsonville Cadillac GMC
Watsonville, CAWatsonville, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Eli's Motorcars
San Diego, CA
Elias Motors
Hayward, CA
Elias Motors Inc
Hayward, CA
Elite Auto Group
Downey, CA
Elite Auto Imports
Rocklin, CA
Elite Auto Wholesale
Visalia, CA
Elite Motors
Hayward, CA
Elite Motors Oc
Aliso Viejo, CA
Eliteessence Motors Llc
Spring Valley, CA
Elk Grove Acura
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Auto Mall
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Cars
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Ford
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Kia
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Volkswagen
Elk Grove, CA
Ellectra Motors
Riverside, CA
Ellio's German Auto
Sacramento, CA
Elya Carz Inc
Hayward, CA
Em Auto
Corona, CA
Emanuel Motors Llc
Palmdale, 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 1080 rated California dealers is $117, based on 6,655 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?
Mckenna Volkswagen Cerritos, Carfam, Norm Reeves Ford Superstore Cerritos lead the California transparency rankings. 740 of 1542 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.