Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2602 of 5024 California car dealers from 11,934 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1550 of 2602 rated California dealers earn an A · 504 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 20, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
78/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2602 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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Capitol Hyundai
San Jose, CA · 9 verified quotes
Keyes Lexus
Los Angeles, CA · 9 verified quotes
Kirby Kia Of Ventura
Ventura, CA · 9 verified quotes
Star Ford Of Glendale
Glendale, CA · 9 verified quotes
Coachella Valley Volkswagen
Cathedral City, CA · 8 verified quotes
Costa Mesa GMC
Costa Mesa, CA · 8 verified quotes
W.I. Simonson
Santa Monica, CA · 8 verified quotes
Carson Nissan
Carson, CA · 7 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of West Covina
West Covina, CA · 7 verified quotes
Pomona Kia
Pomona, CA · 7 verified quotes
Stevens Creek Chevrolet
San Jose, CA · 7 verified quotes
Cerritos Nissan
Cerritos, CA · 6 verified quotes
Harbor Hyundai
Long Beach, CA · 6 verified quotes
Healdsburg Chevrolet
Healdsburg, CA · 6 verified quotes
Pacific BMW
Glendale, CA · 6 verified quotes
Folsom Buick GMC
Folsom, CA · 5 verified quotes
Volkswagen Of Downtown L.A.
Los Angeles, CA · 5 verified quotes
All Star Ford
Pittsburg, CA · 4 verified quotes
Bakersfield Acura
Bakersfield, CA · 4 verified quotes
Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley, CA · 4 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 1685 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,934 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. 1550 of 2602 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.