Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1563 of 4794 California car dealers from 6,728 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
750 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 →Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesMossy Nissan National City
National City, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesDublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Puente Hills Subaru
City Of Industry, CACity Of Industry, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
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More Dealers in California
Future Hyundai Of Concord
Concord, CA
Future Kia
Clovis, CA
Future Lincoln Of Roseville
Roseville, CA
Future Motors Inc
Sacramento, CA
Future Walker Cars
Covina, CA
Futureride
Orange, CA
Fyc Used Cars
Santa Rosa, CA
G /g Auto Sales
Antioch, CA
G & G Auto Wholesale
Los Angeles, CA
G&c Auto Sales
Indio, CA
G&n Brothers Auto Inc
Antioch, CA
G&v Motors
Los Angeles, CA
G220 Motors
East Los Angeles, CA
G2go Autos
Citrus Heights, CA
Ga Motors
Irwindale, CA
Gabriel Rodriguez Auto Dealer
Novato, CA
Gage Auto Square Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Galaxy Auto
San Diego, CA
Galaxy Autosport Inc
Sacramento, CA
Galaxy Jaguar
Los Angeles, 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 6,728 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?
Lancaster Honda, Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Mossy Nissan National City lead the California transparency rankings. 750 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.