Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1557 of 4793 California car dealers from 6,695 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
744 of 1557 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 1557 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4793 dealers →Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesJim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesFord Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesBakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CABakersfield, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
Car Pros Honda El Monte
El Monte, CAEl Monte, CA
Fullerton Ford
Fullerton, CAFullerton, CA
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CACalabasas, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
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
Expo La
Los Angeles, CA
Express Credit Motors
San Jose, CA
Express Motors Llc
Bakersfield, CA
Extreme Motors
Cathedral City, CA
Extreme Motors Inc
San Diego, CA
Extreme Sportchassis
Redlands, CA
Ez Auto Finance
Bakersfield, CA
Ez Auto Sales
Antioch, CA
Ez Auto Sales
Daly City, 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 1082 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,695 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?
Cb Chevrolet, Jim Bone Kia, Ford Fairfield lead the California transparency rankings. 744 of 1557 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 $116. 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.