Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1832 of 4809 California car dealers from 7,823 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 4809 dealers →Mercedes-Benz Of Long Beach
Signal Hill, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesDelta Honda
Pittsburg, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesThe Ford Store Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, CAMorgan Hill, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Super Sac Auto
Carmichael, CACarmichael, CA
BMW Fresno
Fresno, CAFresno, CA
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More Dealers in California
Roja Motor Cars
Oakland, CA
Rolling Stone Motors
Santa Clara, CA
Rolling Wheels Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orange County
Irvine, CA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena
Pasadena, CA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, CA
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars San Diego
San Diego, CA
Rolon's Auto Sales, Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Roma Auto Sales Llc
Calexico, CA
Romcar
Commerce, CA
Ron Smith Buick GMC
Merced, CA
Ronin Auto Group Corp
Los Angeles, CA
Ronnie Motors Llc
San Jose, CA
Rose Motorcars
Castro Valley, CA
Roseville Auto Sales
Roseville, CA
Roseville Automaxx
Roseville, CA
Roseville Car Connection
Roseville, CA
Roseville Car Group
Roseville, CA
Route 66 Auto Center Inc
Victorville, 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 7,823 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 Long Beach, Galpin Mazda, Delta Honda 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.