Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2599 of 5017 California car dealers from 11,904 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1547 of 2599 rated California dealers earn an A · 506 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 20, 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 2599 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5017 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
Jerry Seiner Subaru
Santa Clarita, CA · 4 verified quotes
Keyes European
Los Angeles, CA · 4 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Fremont
Fremont, CA · 4 verified quotes
Penske Volvo Cars
City of Industry, CA · 4 verified quotes
Tracy Mazda
Tracy, CA · 4 verified quotes
Volkswagen Of Oakland
Oakland, CA · 4 verified quotes
Walnut Creek Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Walnut Creek, CA · 4 verified quotes
Toyota Of Selma
Selma, CA · 3 verified quotes
Norm Reeves Hyundai Superstore
Cerritos, CA · 30 verified quotes
Capital City Honda
Sacramento, CA · 27 verified quotes
Palm Springs Nissan
Cathedral City, CA · 27 verified quotes
San Francisco Toyota
San Francisco, CA · 26 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Pleasanton
Pleasanton, CA · 25 verified quotes
Culver City Mazda
Culver City, CA · 17 verified quotes
Mossy Honda
Lemon Grove, CA · 17 verified quotes
Capitol Volkswagen
San Jose, CA · 15 verified quotes
Elk Grove Hyundai
Elk Grove, CA · 15 verified quotes
Folsom Lake Kia
Folsom, CA · 15 verified quotes
Ken Grody Ford
Buena Park, CA · 15 verified quotes
Shottenkirk Honda Of Davis
Davis, CA · 15 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 1682 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,904 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. 1547 of 2599 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.