Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2582 of 5026 California car dealers from 11,737 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1527 of 2582 rated California dealers earn an A · 506 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 18, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
77/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2582 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5026 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Woodland Hills, CAWoodland Hills, CA
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More Dealers in California
Putnam Subaru
Burlingame, CA · 8 verified quotes
Tuttle Click
Irvine, CA · 8 verified quotes
Audi San Jose
San Jose, CA · 7 verified quotes
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CA · 7 verified quotes
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CA · 7 verified quotes
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA · 7 verified quotes
Honda Of The Desert
Cathedral City, CA · 7 verified quotes
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CA · 7 verified quotes
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CA · 7 verified quotes
Penske Buick GMC
Cerritos, CA · 7 verified quotes
Sunnyvale Volkswagen
Sunnyvale, CA · 7 verified quotes
Volvo Cars Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 7 verified quotes
Aston Martin Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA · 6 verified quotes
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 6 verified quotes
BMW Of El Cajon
El Cajon, CA · 6 verified quotes
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CA · 6 verified quotes
Delta Honda
Pittsburg, CA · 6 verified quotes
Felix Chevrolet
Los Angeles, CA · 6 verified quotes
Giant Chevrolet
Visalia, CA · 6 verified quotes
Hyundai Of Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · 6 verified quotes
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 September 2026, the average documentation fee at 1669 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,737 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?
Ford Fairfield, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1527 of 2582 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 $110. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 68% 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.