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
Lexus Of Concord
Concord, CA · 14 verified quotes
Carson Honda
Carson, CA · 13 verified quotes
Perry Ford Of National City
National City, CA · 13 verified quotes
Cardinaleway Hyundai Of El Monte
El Monte, CA · 12 verified quotes
Putnam Toyota
Burlingame, CA · 12 verified quotes
The Best Used Car Sales
San Bernardino, CA · 12 verified quotes
BMW Of Sherman Oaks
Los Angeles, CA · 11 verified quotes
Hoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CA · 11 verified quotes
Metro Nissan Of Montclair
Montclair, CA · 11 verified quotes
One Toyota Of Oakland
Oakland, CA · 11 verified quotes
Norm Reeves Honda Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · 10 verified quotes
BMW Of Roseville
Roseville, CA · 9 verified quotes
Winn Volkswagen Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA · 9 verified quotes
La Quinta Cadillac
La Quinta, CA · 8 verified quotes
El Dorado
McKinney, CA · 7 verified quotes
San Leandro Honda
San Leandro, CA · 7 verified quotes
Audi Temecula
Temecula, CA · 6 verified quotes
Downey Hyundai
Downey, CA · 6 verified quotes
Glendale Chevrolet
Glendale, CA · 6 verified quotes
Glendale Nissan
Glendale, CA · 6 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.