Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1778 of 4806 California car dealers from 7,558 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $111.
892 of 1778 rated California dealers earn an A · 395 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 1778 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4806 dealers →Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesCapistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesCadillac Marin
San Rafael, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAirport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
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More Dealers in California
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
Motor Cars Of Oc
Costa Mesa, CA
Motor City Auto Center
Bakersfield, CA
Motor Hub Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Motor One Auto Dealer
Costa Mesa, CA
Motor Team Inc
Hayward, CA
Motor Xpress Auto Sales Inc.
Bakersfield, 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 1225 rated California dealers is $111, based on 7,558 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, Capistrano Volkswagen, Cadillac Marin lead the California transparency rankings. 892 of 1778 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 $111. 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.