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

Aaron Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Norco, CA · 16 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,052add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 16 verified quotes →

Ford of Downtown La

Los Angeles, CA · 16 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,353add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 16 verified quotes →

Garden Grove Hyundai

Garden Grove, CA · 14 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,230add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 14 verified quotes →

Selma Kia

Selma, CA · 14 verified quotes

$85doc fee$541add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 14 verified quotes →

Buena Park Honda

Buena Park, CA · 13 verified quotes

$80doc fee$637add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 13 verified quotes →

Mataga GMC

Stockton, CA · 11 verified quotes

$122doc fee$733add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 11 verified quotes →

Diamond Chevrolet of Banning

Banning, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,837add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 10 verified quotes →

Anaheim Hyundai

Anaheim, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,385add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Dch Honda of Oxnard

Oxnard, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$674add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Lexus Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,105add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Riverside Kia

Riverside, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$999add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Stevens Creek Kia

San Jose, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$610add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Team Mazda of El Cajon

El Cajon, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$681add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Cerritos Nissan

Cerritos, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$524add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 8 verified quotes →

Palm Springs Kia

Cathedral City, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$459add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 8 verified quotes →

BMW of Sherman Oaks

Los Angeles, CA · 7 verified quotes

$85doc fee$569add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 7 verified quotes →

Toyota San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · 7 verified quotes

$85doc fee$449add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 7 verified quotes →

Autonation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Valencia

Santa Clarita, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$479add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 6 verified quotes →

Coachella Valley Volkswagen

Cathedral City, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$748add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 6 verified quotes →

Hanlees Kia

Davis, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,262add-ons
B
89/100
Above average
See 6 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.