Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1827 of 4808 California car dealers from 7,804 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
921 of 1827 rated California dealers earn an A · 401 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 1827 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4808 dealers →Mercedes-Benz Of Ontario
Ontario, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesSangera Subaru
Bakersfield, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesRusnak BMW
Westlake Village, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 13 verified quotes
See the quotesCentury West BMW
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Penske Buick GMC
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Volvo Cars Chico
Chico, CAChico, CA
Volvo Cars Cerritos
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Volkswagen Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CAWestlake Village, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Oakmont Auto Sales
Rancho Cordova, 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
Ochoa Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
Ohana Auto
Upland, CA
Ohana Motors Inc
San Bernardino, CA
Okaidi Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Old Iron Motors, Inc
Susanville, CA
Old Town Motors
Temecula, CA
Olympic Motors
East Los Angeles, 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 1255 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,804 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?
Mercedes-Benz Of Ontario, Sangera Subaru, Rusnak BMW lead the California transparency rankings. 921 of 1827 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: 62% 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.