Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1559 of 4766 California car dealers from 6,712 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $117.
744 of 1559 rated California dealers earn an A · 362 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 21, 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 1559 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4766 dealers →Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesCadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesCadillac Marin
San Rafael, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesFord Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Simi Valley
Simi Valley, CASimi Valley, CA
Simpson Buick GMC
Buena Park, CABuena Park, CA
Simpson Chevrolet Of Irvine
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Ev Motors
Pico Rivera, CA
Evelocity
San Diego, CA
Event Motoring
San Diego, CA
Evergreen Transportation Llc
Fremont, CA
Evshack Llc
San Carlos, CA
Excel Motors
Sacramento, CA
Excellence Auto Sales
Bloomington, CA
Excellent Auto Traders Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional Motors
Sacramento, CA
Exclusive Car & Truck
Yucaipa, CA
Exclusive Cars
Bloomington, CA
Exclusive Collection
San Diego, CA
Exclusive Motors
Placentia, CA
Exclusive Motors
Sacramento, CA
Exclusive Motors
San Diego, CA
Executive Auto Center
Fresno, CA
Exoduz Auto Group
Rialto, CA
Exotic Car Factory
Tustin, CA
Exotic Garage
Rancho Cordova, CA
Exotic Motor Cars
Palm Springs, 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 1083 rated California dealers is $117, based on 6,712 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?
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore, Cadillac Of South San Francisco, Cadillac Marin lead the California transparency rankings. 744 of 1559 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: 59% 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.