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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Irvine BMW
Irvine, CA · 6 verified quotes
Autonation Honda Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, CA · 5 verified quotes
Diamond Valley Honda
Hemet, CA · 5 verified quotes
Nissan Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 5 verified quotes
Auto Republic Orange
Orange, CA · 3 verified quotes
Caruso Ford Lincoln
Long Beach, CA · 3 verified quotes
Chevrolet Of Carson
Carson, CA · 3 verified quotes
Folsom Lake Ford
Folsom, CA · 3 verified quotes
Infiniti Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 3 verified quotes
Kia North County
CA · 3 verified quotes
Star Mazda Glendale
Glendale, CA · 3 verified quotes
Stowasser Buick GMC
Santa Maria, CA · 3 verified quotes
Longo Toyota
El Monte, CA · 124 verified quotes
Toyota Of San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA · 45 verified quotes
Garden Grove Kia
Garden Grove, CA · 29 verified quotes
Lexus Of Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 26 verified quotes
Oxnard Mazda
Oxnard, CA · 20 verified quotes
Fletcher Jones Toyota Of Carson
Carson, CA · 18 verified quotes
Mazda Of Orange
Orange, CA · 18 verified quotes
Stockton Hyundai
Stockton, CA · 17 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.