Best Car Dealers in California

As of November 2026, CarEdge grades 2709 of 4893 California car dealers from 11,367 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.

1413 of 2709 rated California dealers earn an A · 875 earn a D or F

Data updated Nov 7, 2026 · How we score dealers

The Golden State

California's dealer grade: C

76/100 average transparency score

52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.

Based on 2709 dealers with verified quotes.

$85
Avg Doc Fee
68%
No Add-ons
76/100
Avg Score
11,367
Verified Quotes

Browse Dealers by Brand in California

Look up any dealer’s transparency grade

Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.

More Dealers in California

Elk Grove Chevrolet

Elk Grove, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$628add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

Fresno Buick GMC

Fresno, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$663add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

Jerry Seiner Honda

San Juan Capistrano, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$666add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

La Quinta Cadillac

La Quinta, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$631add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

Nissan of Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$663add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

Palm Springs Mazda

Cathedral City, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$653add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

Porterville Ford

Porterville, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$66add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

Salinas Valley Ford

Salinas, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$662add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes →

Covina Kia

Covina, CA · 35 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,041add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 35 verified quotes →

Concord Honda

Concord, CA · 22 verified quotes

$85doc fee$230add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 22 verified quotes →

Nissan of Irvine

Irvine, CA · 18 verified quotes

$85doc fee$786add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 18 verified quotes →

Ford of Upland

Upland, CA · 17 verified quotes

$85doc fee$596add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 17 verified quotes →

Lexus of Oxnard

Oxnard, CA · 12 verified quotes

$85doc fee$896add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 12 verified quotes →

Fullerton Ford

Fullerton, CA · 11 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,447add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 11 verified quotes →

Pomona Kia

Pomona, CA · 11 verified quotes

$85doc fee$681add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 11 verified quotes →

Autonation Subaru Roseville

Roseville, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc fee$592add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 10 verified quotes →

Costa Mesa GMC

Costa Mesa, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,113add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 10 verified quotes →

Lithia Toyota of Redding

Redding, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc fee$886add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 10 verified quotes →

Oakland Hyundai

Oakland, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc fee$359add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 10 verified quotes →

Nissan of Tustin

Tustin, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$996add-ons
A
90/100
Highly transparent
See 9 verified quotes →
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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 November 2026, the average documentation fee at 1878 rated California dealers is $85, based on 11,367 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, Toyota of Orange, Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach lead the California transparency rankings. 1413 of 2709 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 $85. 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.