Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1545 of 4802 California car dealers from 7,792 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $111.
921 of 1545 rated California dealers earn an A · 123 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 24, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: B
89/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1545 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4802 dealers →Shingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesWest Coast Auto Sales
Montclair, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesValley Kia
Fontana, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesOne Toyota Of Oakland
Oakland, CAOakland, CA
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of Long Beach
Signal Hill, CASignal Hill, CA
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
Volvo Cars San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Nueva Italia Motors
Ventura, CA
Number 1 Motorsports
Sacramento, CA
Nvs Motorsports
Corona, CA
O'gara Coach Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
O'gara Coach Westlake Village
Thousand Oaks, CA
Oakmont Auto Sales
Rancho Cordova, CA
Obzu
Costa Mesa, CA
Oc Auto Firm
Irvine, CA
Oc Auto Group
Santa Ana, CA
Oc Auto Guys
Costa Mesa, CA
Oc Auto Mall
Orange, CA
Oc Auto Pros
Costa Mesa, CA
Oc Auto Specialties
Fountain Valley, CA
Oc Chief Auto
Newport Beach, CA
Oc Chief Auto Riverside
Riverside, CA
Oc Independent Motor Klub
Santa Ana, CA
Oc Luxury Cars
Costa Mesa, CA
Ocean Auto Sales
San Clemente, CA
Ocean Imports
Midway City, CA
Oceansky Auto
Brea, 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 1252 rated California dealers is $111, based on 7,792 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?
Shingle Springs Honda, West Coast Auto Sales, Valley Kia lead the California transparency rankings. 921 of 1545 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: 55% 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.