Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2600 of 5018 California car dealers from 11,909 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1550 of 2600 rated California dealers earn an A · 506 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 19, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
77/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2600 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5018 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Woodland Hills, CAWoodland Hills, CA
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More Dealers in California
Bill Wright Toyota
Bakersfield, CA · 6 verified quotes
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CA · 6 verified quotes
Garden Grove Nissan
Garden Grove, CA · 6 verified quotes
Mcpeeks Dodge Of Anaheim
Anaheim, CA · 6 verified quotes
Perry Ford Of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · 6 verified quotes
Santa Cruz Toyota
Capitola, CA · 6 verified quotes
Sierra Chevrolet Of Monrovia
Monrovia, CA · 6 verified quotes
Team Volkswagen Of Hayward
Hayward, CA · 6 verified quotes
Vinfast San Diego
San Diego, CA · 4 verified quotes
American Motors
Stanton, CA · 3 verified quotes
Anderson Honda
Palo Alto, CA · 3 verified quotes
Audi Pacific
Torrance, CA · 3 verified quotes
Audi Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · 3 verified quotes
BMW Of Buena Park
Buena Park, CA · 3 verified quotes
City Fine Cars
Los Angeles, CA · 3 verified quotes
Dublin Buick GMC
Pleasanton, CA · 3 verified quotes
Fremont Mazda
Newark, CA · 3 verified quotes
Hanlees Fairfield Nissan
Fairfield, CA · 3 verified quotes
Hyundai Of La Quinta
La Quinta, CA · 3 verified quotes
Land Rover Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 3 verified quotes
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 1683 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,909 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, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1550 of 2600 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 $110. 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.