Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1848 of 4803 California car dealers from 7,862 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
926 of 1848 rated California dealers earn an A · 417 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 27, 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 1848 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4803 dealers →Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesShingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CAVisalia, CA
Capistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CASan Juan Capistrano, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Manly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
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More Dealers in California
Skyline Auto Sales
Santa Rosa, CA
Skyrev
Riverside, CA
Slo Auto
Grover Beach, CA
Smart Choice Auto Consulting, Inc.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Smart Motors
Ontario, CA
Smith Chevrolet Of Turlock
Turlock, CA
Smith Volvo Cars
San Luis Obispo, CA
Smooth Deals Inc
San Diego, CA
Snb Auto Group Llc
Newport Beach, CA
So Cal Performance
San Diego, CA
Socal Auto Brokers
Huntington Beach, CA
Socal Auto Group
Agoura Hills, CA
Socal Auto Motors
Costa Mesa, CA
Socal Car Guy
Burbank, CA
Socal Cars Inc
Huntington Park, CA
Socal Motors
Los Alamitos, CA
Socal Sportscars
Covina, CA
Sol Cal Financial Corp
Whittier, CA
Sole Savers
Eureka, CA
South Bay BMW
Torrance, CA
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 1258 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,862 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?
Rancho Santa Margarita Honda, Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Shingle Springs Honda lead the California transparency rankings. 926 of 1848 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.