Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1667 of 4789 California car dealers from 7,174 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $115.
825 of 1667 rated California dealers earn an A · 373 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 23, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1667 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4789 dealers →Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesElk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesEl Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CAVisalia, CA
Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CASan Bernardino, CA
Heritage Ford
Modesto, CAModesto, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
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
Jim Enterprises
Fresno, CA
Jim's Auto Sales Harbor City
Los Angeles, CA
Jim's Auto Sales Lomita
Lomita, CA
Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet
Napa, CA
Jimmys Auto Wholesale
Brentwood, CA
Jjd Cars & Trucks Llc
Bell, CA
Jlh Group, Llc
San Diego, CA
Jm Motors Llc
Santa Clara, CA
Jma Auto Group
Riverside, CA
Jn 777 Motors
Midway City, CA
Joes Auto Sales Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Johnnys Motors Inc
Fontana, CA
Josh The Auto Buyer
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jp Auto
Sacramento, CA
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 July 2026, the average documentation fee at 1151 rated California dealers is $115, based on 7,174 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?
Elk Grove Toyota, Elk Grove Subaru, El Cerrito Honda lead the California transparency rankings. 825 of 1667 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: 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.