Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1836 of 4804 California car dealers from 7,849 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
924 of 1836 rated California dealers earn an A · 406 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 26, 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 1836 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4804 dealers →Sunnyvale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Sunnyvale, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesKia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesStevens Creek Kia
San Jose, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesJim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Audi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
One Toyota Of Oakland
Oakland, CAOakland, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 4 verified quotes
Volkswagen Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CA · 5 verified quotes
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA · 11 verified quotes
Chico Mazda
Chico, CA · 5 verified quotes
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CA · 10 verified quotes
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CA · 6 verified quotes
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CA · 3 verified quotes
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CA · 7 verified quotes
Subaru Pacific
Hawthorne, CA · 4 verified quotes
Mazda Of Escondido
Escondido, CA · 3 verified quotes
Vista Ford Lincoln
Los Angeles, CA · 17 verified quotes
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CA · 5 verified quotes
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CA · 3 verified quotes
Mazda Of Vacaville
Vacaville, CA · 10 verified quotes
Mazda Of Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA · 5 verified quotes
Mazda Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 4 verified quotes
Bakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CA · 5 verified quotes
Newport Fisker
Costa Mesa, CA · 3 verified quotes
South County Lexus
Mission Viejo, CA · 14 verified quotes
Simpson Chevrolet Of Irvine
Irvine, CA · 9 verified quotes
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 1257 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,849 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?
Sunnyvale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Kia Of Alhambra, Stevens Creek Kia lead the California transparency rankings. 924 of 1836 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.