Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1688 of 4789 California car dealers from 7,205 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
836 of 1688 rated California dealers earn an A · 383 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 24, 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 1688 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4789 dealers →Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesCapistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesFullerton Ford
Fullerton, CAFullerton, CA
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Hyundai Of Glendale
Glendale, CAGlendale, CA
Audi San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Audi San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Marshall Goldman Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
Marshall Goldman Motor Sales & Leasing Inc
Beverly Hills, CA
Marshall Goldman Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
Martens Chevrolet
Reedley, CA
Martinez Used Cars Inc
Livingston, CA
Marvin K. Brown Buick
San Diego, CA
Marvin K. Brown Cadillac
San Diego, CA
Mas Auto Sales
Riverbank, CA
Mas Motors
Norco, CA
Mas Motorsport
Citrus Heights, CA
Maserati Of Anaheim Hills
Yorba Linda, CA
Maserati Of Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
Maserati Of Puente Hills
City of Industry, CA
Masi Auto Sales
San Diego, CA
Mataga Cadillac
Stockton, CA
Matt Mazzei Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Lakeport, CA
Max Auto Sales
San Diego, CA
Max Auto Sales
Santa Maria, CA
Max's Motors
Bakersfield, CA
Maxo Motors Llc
Temecula, 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 1161 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,205 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?
Jim Bone Kia, Capistrano Volkswagen, Autonation Chevrolet Valencia lead the California transparency rankings. 836 of 1688 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.