Best Car Dealers in California

As of November 2026, CarEdge grades 2709 of 4893 California car dealers from 11,366 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.

1413 of 2709 rated California dealers earn an A · 875 earn a D or F

Data updated Nov 7, 2026 · How we score dealers

The Golden State

California's dealer grade: C

76/100 average transparency score

52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.

Based on 2709 dealers with verified quotes.

$85
Avg Doc Fee
68%
No Add-ons
76/100
Avg Score
11,366
Verified Quotes

Browse Dealers by Brand in California

Look up any dealer’s transparency grade

Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.

More Dealers in California

Santa Barbara Honda

Goleta, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$374add-ons
A
96/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Silveira Healdsburg

Healdsburg, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$100add-ons
A
96/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Stevens Creek Cadillac

Santa Clara, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$324add-ons
A
96/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Vista Lincoln Woodland Hills

Los Angeles, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$99add-ons
A
96/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Winn Volkswagen of Woodland Hills

Los Angeles, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$247add-ons
A
96/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Toyota Carlsbad

Carlsbad, CA · 60 verified quotes

$85doc fee$42add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 60 verified quotes →

Hansel Toyota

Petaluma, CA · 36 verified quotes

$85doc fee$55add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 36 verified quotes →

Manhattan Beach Toyota

Manhattan Beach, CA · 28 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 28 verified quotes →

Toyota of Hemet

Hemet, CA · 28 verified quotes

$85doc fee$55add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 28 verified quotes →

Concord Mazda

Concord, CA · 27 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 27 verified quotes →

Norm Reeves Hyundai Superstore

Cerritos, CA · 27 verified quotes

$85doc fee$74add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 27 verified quotes →

Puente Hills Toyota

City of Industry, CA · 27 verified quotes

$85doc fee$258add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 27 verified quotes →

Claremont Toyota

Claremont, CA · 23 verified quotes

$85doc fee$486add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 23 verified quotes →

Hyundai Carson

Carson, CA · 22 verified quotes

$85doc fee$395add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 22 verified quotes →

Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego

San Diego, CA · 20 verified quotes

$85doc fee$0add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 20 verified quotes →

Coliseum Lexus of Oakland

Oakland, CA · 19 verified quotes

$85doc fee$420add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 19 verified quotes →

South Bay Toyota

Gardena, CA · 18 verified quotes

$85doc fee$332add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 18 verified quotes →

South Coast Toyota

Costa Mesa, CA · 18 verified quotes

$85doc fee$309add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 18 verified quotes →

Harbor Hyundai

Long Beach, CA · 17 verified quotes

$85doc fee$482add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 17 verified quotes →

Mossy Honda

Lemon Grove, CA · 16 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
95/100
Highly transparent
See 16 verified quotes →
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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 November 2026, the average documentation fee at 1878 rated California dealers is $85, based on 11,366 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, Toyota of Orange, Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach lead the California transparency rankings. 1413 of 2709 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 $85. 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.