Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1879 of 4807 California car dealers from 7,998 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $111.
954 of 1879 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 1879 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4807 dealers →Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesSedano Ford Commercial
La Mesa, CA
$26 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesOne Toyota Of Oakland
Oakland, CAOakland, CA
Porsche Stevens Creek
Santa Clara, CASanta Clara, CA
Tustin Cadillac
Tustin, CATustin, CA
Tuttle Click
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Tuttle-Click Ford
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of Long Beach
Signal Hill, CASignal Hill, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Stevens Creek Volkswagen
San Jose, CA
Stewart Chevrolet
Colma, CA
STG Bellflower
Bellflower, CA
Stone Buick GMC Tulare
Tulare, CA
Strada Nera
San Diego, CA
Strata Autohaus
Orange, CA
Sts Auto Dealer
Los Angeles, CA
Style Cars
Campbell, CA
Subaru Of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Subaru Sherman Oaks
Los Angeles, CA
Success Auto Sales & Service
Citrus Heights, CA
Summit Auto Group Llc
Tracy, CA
Sun Coast Auto Dealer
Ventura, CA
Sunrise Motors
Yuba City, CA
Sunroad Auto
San Diego, CA
Sunset Auto Sales
Santa Cruz, CA
Sunset Car Co
Santa Ana, CA
Sunset Elite Auto
Laguna Hills, CA
Sunset Motors
Manteca, CA
Sunwise Auto Group
Concord, 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 1276 rated California dealers is $111, based on 7,998 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?
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Santa Monica Audi, Sedano Ford Commercial lead the California transparency rankings. 954 of 1879 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 $111. 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.