Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1667 of 4789 California car dealers from 7,179 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $113.
826 of 1667 rated California dealers earn an A · 372 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 →H & K Auto
San Jose, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesHeritage Ford
Modesto, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Fresno
Fresno, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CAVisalia, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CAEl Cajon, CA
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CAEl Cerrito, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Keller Motors GMC
Hanford, CA
Ken Fowler Mazda
Ukiah, CA
Ken Fowler Subaru
Ukiah, CA
Ken Grody Fleet
Buena Park, CA
Kern County Motors
Bakersfield, CA
Keyauto Llc
Rancho Cordova, CA
Keyes Lexus Of Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
Keyes Porsche Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA
Keyes Woodland Hills Honda
Los Angeles, CA
Keylane Auto Brokers Llc
Diamond Bar, CA
Khidmat Motors
Sacramento, CA
Khodas Cars
Gilroy, CA
Kia Of Cerritos
Cerritos, CA
Kia Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA
Kian Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Kian Motors Inc
Orange, CA
King Auto Sales
El Cajon, CA
King Automotive
Los Angeles, CA
King City Auto Enterprises, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
King's Auto Enterprises Inc
Pittsburg, 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 $113, based on 7,179 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?
H & K Auto, Heritage Ford, BMW Fresno lead the California transparency rankings. 826 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 $113. 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.