Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1887 of 4807 California car dealers from 8,023 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $109.
965 of 1887 rated California dealers earn an A · 419 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 1887 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4807 dealers →Porsche Stevens Creek
Santa Clara, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesVista Ford Lincoln
Los Angeles, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 17 verified quotes
See the quotesHonda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesOne Toyota Of Oakland
Oakland, CAOakland, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CAEl Cerrito, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Trinity Auto Sales Inc
Corona, CA
Trinity Auto Sales Llc
San Bernardino, CA
Trinity Truck & Suv
El Cajon, CA
Triple 8 Cars
San Diego, CA
Triple B Motors Llc
Bakersfield, CA
Triple Crown Auto Sales
Folsom, CA
Triple S Auto
Vallejo, CA
Trofeo Collection
Huntington Beach, CA
Trophy Auto Sport
Sacramento, CA
Tru Auto Group Llc
Fremont, CA
Truck Pro Outlet
Bellflower, CA
Truck. And Van Solutions
Sacramento, CA
Truckstar
Vista, CA
True Automotive
San Jose, CA
Trust Automotive Group
Costa Mesa, CA
Trust Irvine Acura
Irvine, CA
Trust Palmdale Honda
Palmdale, CA
Trusted Auto Group Inc
Roseville, CA
Turbo Drive Motors Inc
Sacramento, CA
Turlock Auto Source
Turlock, 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 1281 rated California dealers is $109, based on 8,023 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?
Porsche Stevens Creek, Vista Ford Lincoln, Honda Of El Cajon Superstore lead the California transparency rankings. 965 of 1887 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 $109. 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.