Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1690 of 4788 California car dealers from 7,191 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
836 of 1690 rated California dealers earn an A · 385 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 1690 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4788 dealers →Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesCb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesTustin Cadillac
Tustin, CATustin, CA
Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CASan Bernardino, CA
Tuttle Click
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Tuttle-Click Ford
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Tuttle Click Mazda
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
South County Lexus
Mission Viejo, CAMission Viejo, CA
Fullerton Ford
Fullerton, CAFullerton, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Mercedes-Benz Of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of Thousand Oaks Sprinter
Thousand Oaks, CA
Mercy Auto Center
Sacramento, CA
Mesa Luxury Imports
Irvine, CA
Mesa Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Metric Motors
Sacramento, CA
Metro Acura Montclair
Montclair, CA
Metro Auto
La Habra, CA
Metro Honda
Montclair, CA
Metro Hyundai
Loma Linda, CA
Metro Motors
Bakersfield, CA
Mexi Max Motors Llc
Ontario, CA
Mexicali Auto Sales Llc
Indio, CA
Meza Auto Sales
Colton, CA
Mg Auto Center
El Monte, CA
Mhz Auto In Tracy
Tracy, CA
Mi Amigo Automotriz
Victorville, CA
Michellin Motors Llc
Hayward, CA
Mid-city Honda
Eureka, 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 1161 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,191 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?
Kearny Mesa Hyundai, Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Cb Chevrolet lead the California transparency rankings. 836 of 1690 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: 61% 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.