Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1633 of 4781 California car dealers from 6,968 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $114.
797 of 1633 rated California dealers earn an A · 370 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 23, 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 1633 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4781 dealers →Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 12 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesChavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CAEl Cajon, CA
Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CASan Bernardino, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Hoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CAWoodland, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Jams Auto And Moto
Costa Mesa, CA
Janet's Auto Sales
Modesto, CA
Japanese Used Cars
San Bernardino, CA
Jauregui Imports
Ontario, CA
Jay's Auto Center
Pleasanton, CA
Jay's Auto Sales
Fremont, CA
Jc's Auto Sales Inc
Long Beach, CA
Jeepster Auto Sales
Costa Mesa, CA
Jemax Auto
El Monte, CA
Jenin Carz
San Leandro, CA
Jenin Motors
San Leandro, CA
Jenny's Auto
East Los Angeles, CA
Jericho Auto Sales Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Jerry Seiner Subaru
Santa Clarita, CA
Jesse's Auto Mall
Los Angeles, CA
Jessup Auto Plaza Buick GMC
Cathedral City, CA
Jg Direct Auto Sales
Livermore, CA
Jim Bone Kia Of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, CA
Jim Burke Lincoln
Bakersfield, CA
Jim Charlon Ford
Ridgecrest, 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 1132 rated California dealers is $114, based on 6,968 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?
Airport Marina Ford, Galpin Mazda, Chavez Jessup GMC lead the California transparency rankings. 797 of 1633 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 $114. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 60% 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.