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
81 Auto
Fremont, CA
909 Auto Sales
Fontana, CA
925 Auto Sales Llc
Pleasant Hill, CA
A & A Cars
Los Angeles, CA
A & H Motors Inc
Concord, CA
A And V Motors
West Sacramento, CA
A Ok Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
A Plus Auto Center
Colton, CA
A Plus Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
A Plus Motors
Merced, CA
A To B Cars
Sacramento, CA
A-z Motor Cars Llc
Ceres, CA
A&r Auto Inc
El Monte, CA
A1 Carz Inc
Sacramento, CA
A2b Auto Sales
Chula Vista, CA
Aa Imports Cars Services Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Aa Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Aaa Auto Inc
Castroville, CA
Aaa Motor Cars
Los Angeles, CA
Aaron Automotive Group
Lake Elsinore, 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.