Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1613 of 4781 California car dealers from 6,887 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $115.
783 of 1613 rated California dealers earn an A · 371 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 1613 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4781 dealers →BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CA
$55 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesMazda Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesMazda Of Valencia
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Mazda Of Vacaville
Vacaville, CAVacaville, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Autonation Toyota Hayward
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Mazda Of Escondido
Escondido, CAEscondido, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
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More Dealers in California
Golden State Auto Inc.
Rancho Cordova, CA
Golden State Auto Trading Inc. Car Dealership In Hayward
Hayward, CA
Golden Valley Autos
Bakersfield, CA
Goldman Motors
Antioch, CA
Goleta Motors
Goleta, CA
Good Cars Auto Sale Llc
West Sacramento, CA
Good Cars Good People
Sacramento, CA
Good Guys Auto Sales
San Diego, CA
Goodfellas Auto Group
Los Angeles, CA
Got Car
Los Angeles, CA
Got Cars Auto Group Inc
Downey, CA
Gotosuper
Modesto, CA
Goudy Honda
Alhambra, CA
Gp Auto Sales Llc
San Jacinto, CA
Gp Motorsports
Westlake Village, CA
Grace Auto Sales
San Jose, CA
Grace Motors
Manteca, CA
Grady Auto Sales
Cameron Park, CA
Grand Auto Sales - Call Or Text Us At
Spring Valley, CA
Grand Motors
National 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 1119 rated California dealers is $115, based on 6,887 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?
BMW Of Visalia, Mazda Thousand Oaks, Autonation Chevrolet Valencia lead the California transparency rankings. 783 of 1613 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 $115. 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.