Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1889 of 4806 California car dealers from 8,029 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $108.
967 of 1889 rated California dealers earn an A · 420 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 28, 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 1889 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4806 dealers →Bakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesShingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesSouth Bay Ford
Hawthorne, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 11 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Simpson Chevrolet Of Irvine
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
South County Lexus
Mission Viejo, CAMission Viejo, CA
Simpson Buick GMC
Buena Park, CABuena Park, CA
Simi Valley
Simi Valley, CASimi Valley, CA
Sedano Ford Commercial
La Mesa, CALa Mesa, CA
Volkswagen Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CAWestlake Village, CA
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More Dealers in California
Volvo Cars Burlingame
Burlingame, CA
Volvo Cars Escondido
Escondido, CA
Volvo Cars Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, CA
Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CA
Volvo Cars Ontario
Ontario, CA
Vstar
Walnut Creek, CA
Vtek Motorsports
El Cajon, CA
W.c. Sanderson Ford
Healdsburg, CA
W1 Auto Group Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Walden Automotive
Inglewood, CA
Walnut Creek Cadillac
Walnut Creek, CA
Walnut Creek Motor Cars
Walnut Creek, CA
Walter S Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Of Riverside
Riverside, CA
Waltons Automotive Group, Inc.
Rolling Hills, CA
Wards Autos Llc
Orange, CA
Warehouse Of Cars
Vallejo, CA
Wasco Family Auto
Wasco, CA
Watsonville Cadillac
Watsonville, CA
Watsonville Ford Lincoln
Watsonville, CA
We Care Auto
Pomona, 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 $108, based on 8,029 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?
Bakersfield Mazda, Shingle Springs Honda, South Bay Ford lead the California transparency rankings. 967 of 1889 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 $108. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 63% 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.