Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1685 of 4789 California car dealers from 7,195 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
834 of 1685 rated California dealers earn an A · 383 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 1685 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4789 dealers →Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesHeritage Ford
Modesto, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesCuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CAVisalia, CA
Car Pros Honda El Monte
El Monte, CAEl Monte, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Volkswagen Of Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Land Rover Riverside
Riverside, CA
Land Rover San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Land Rover San Jose
San Jose, CA
Land Rover Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
Land Rover Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA
Landis Auto Sales
San Luis Obispo, CA
Larry's Auto Sales Inc.
Fresno, CA
Las Motors
Roseville, CA
Las Torres Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
Latino Auto Sales Inc.
El Monte, CA
Laura Lee's Auto Sales
Mariposa, CA
Lax CDJR
Inglewood, CA
Laywah Auto Sales
Tracy, CA
Lda Motors
Perris, CA
Lease Returns
San Ramon, CA
Left Coast Classics
Sonoma, CA
Legacy Auto Group Inc
Lancaster, CA
Legacy Cars
El Cajon, CA
Legacy Motors Inc
Sacramento, CA
Legend Auto Sales Inc
Lemon Grove, 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 1158 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,195 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?
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia, BMW Of Santa Monica, Heritage Ford lead the California transparency rankings. 834 of 1685 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 $112. 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.