Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1832 of 4808 California car dealers from 7,820 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
922 of 1832 rated California dealers earn an A · 404 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 25, 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 1832 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4808 dealers →Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesValley Kia
Fontana, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesHarbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesCar Pros Honda El Monte
El Monte, CAEl Monte, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
H & K Auto
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
Newport Fisker
Costa Mesa, CACosta Mesa, CA
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
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More Dealers in California
Quick & Easy Auto Sales
Lynwood, CA
Quincy Motor Sports
Quincy, CA
Quintero's Auto Sales
Vacaville, CA
R&a Auto Sales Inc
Sacramento, CA
R&a Auto Sales, Inc
Sacramento, CA
R&g Auto Sales Llc
Los Angeles, CA
R&s Autoline Inc
Brea, CA
R&x Auto Sales Llc
Pasadena, CA
Rabah Motorz
San Leandro, CA
Radi Auto
Huntington Beach, CA
Radical Auto
Burbank, CA
Radical Auto Deals
Burbank, CA
Rain Cross Truck Sales
Corona, CA
Raj Auto Repair & Sales
San Jose, CA
Ramos Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
Rancho Motors
Redlands, CA
Rancho Santa Margarita Rv
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Rao Auto Group
Corona, CA
Ray's Quality Cars
Fortuna, CA
Razzari Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Merced, 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 1257 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,820 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?
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad, Valley Kia, Harbor Chevrolet lead the California transparency rankings. 922 of 1832 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.