Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2599 of 5024 California car dealers from 11,915 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 5024 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
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More Dealers in California
Santa Margarita Ford
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · 10 verified quotes
Ford Fremont
Newark, CA · 9 verified quotes
Puente Hills Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
City of Industry, CA · 8 verified quotes
Elk Grove Buick GMC
Elk Grove, CA · 6 verified quotes
Maita Subaru
Sacramento, CA · 6 verified quotes
Lodi Honda
Lodi, CA · 5 verified quotes
Toyota Of Lompoc
Lompoc, CA · 5 verified quotes
Shaws Auto Sales
Madera, CA · 3 verified quotes
Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego
San Diego, CA · 32 verified quotes
Future Lincoln Of Concord
Concord, CA · 26 verified quotes
Niello BMW Elk Grove
Elk Grove, CA · 25 verified quotes
Capistrano Mazda
San Juan Capistrano, CA · 22 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Stevens Creek
San Jose, CA · 18 verified quotes
Redondo Mitsubishi
Redondo Beach, CA · 17 verified quotes
Alexander Hyundai Of Oxnard
Oxnard, CA · 16 verified quotes
Lexus Of Oxnard
Oxnard, CA · 14 verified quotes
Trust Palmdale Kia
Palmdale, CA · 14 verified quotes
Hatfield Buick GMC
Redlands, CA · 12 verified quotes
Vallejo Hyundai
Vallejo, CA · 12 verified quotes
One Automotive
Oakland, CA · 11 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 11,915 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.