Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1749 of 4803 California car dealers from 7,452 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
877 of 1749 rated California dealers earn an A · 392 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 24, 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 1749 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4803 dealers →New Century BMW
Alhambra, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Maria
Santa Maria, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesSupreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Sedano Ford Commercial
La Mesa, CALa Mesa, CA
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Moon Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Moon Motors
Sacramento, CA
Moore And Moore Autos Llc
Chino, CA
Mora Motors Llc
San Jose, CA
Mora's Motors Inc
Indio, CA
Morales Auto Llc
San Diego, CA
Moss Bros GMC
Moreno Valley, CA
Moss Bros. Auto Group
Moreno Valley, CA
Moss Bros. Chevrolet
Moreno Valley, CA
Moss Bros. Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley, CA
Moss Bros. Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
Mossy Automotive Group
Escondido, CA
Mossy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Chula Vista, CA
Mossy Ineos Grenadier
National City, CA
Mossy Infiniti Of Escondido
Escondido, CA
Mossy Mitsubishi Escondido
Escondido, CA
Mossy Nissan
Chula Vista, CA
Mostar Motors
Sacramento, CA
Motiv Corp
Los Angeles, CA
Motor Cars Inc
Tulare, 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 1202 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,452 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?
New Century BMW, Santa Maria, Santa Monica Audi lead the California transparency rankings. 877 of 1749 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.