Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1563 of 4794 California car dealers from 6,726 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
749 of 1563 rated California dealers earn an A · 360 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 22, 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 1563 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4794 dealers →Dublin Honda
Dublin, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 13 verified quotes
See the quotesChico Mazda
Chico, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesAirport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 12 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Hollywood
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Toyota Of Orange
Orange, CAOrange, CA
Audi San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Shingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CAShingle Springs, CA
Santa Cruz Subaru
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Santa Cruz Toyota
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
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More Dealers in California
Five Star Auto Sales
Fresno, CA
Five Star Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Fj Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
Fj Motor Group
Rosemead, CA
Fletcher Jones Auto Group
Walnut Creek, CA
Fletcher Jones Van Center
Costa Mesa, CA
Florin Auto Group Llc
Sacramento, CA
Fm Auto Resource
Manteca, CA
Fmi Enterprises
Huntington Beach, CA
Focus Auto
El Monte, CA
Folsom Lake Autos
Orangevale, CA
Folsom Lake Nissan
Folsom, CA
Fontana Auto Center
Bloomington, CA
Fontana Hyundai
Fontana, CA
Fontana Mazda
Fontana, CA
Ford of Oakland
Oakland, CA
Forsage Auto Group
San Diego, CA
Four Seasons Auto Sales
Hayward, CA
Four Wheels Corporation
San Jose, CA
Fowler GMC
Ukiah, 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 1090 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,726 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?
Dublin Honda, Chico Mazda, Airport Marina Ford lead the California transparency rankings. 749 of 1563 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.