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

Cardinaleway Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,439add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Elk Grove Volkswagen

Elk Grove, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,256add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Glendora Chevrolet

Glendora, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,439add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Hoehn Motors

Carlsbad, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$597add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Laguna Niguel GMC

Laguna Niguel, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$498add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Calabasas

Calabasas, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$729add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Keller Ford Lincoln

Hanford, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,398add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 4 verified quotes →

Toyota of Selma

Selma, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,324add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 4 verified quotes →

Auto City

El Cajon, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
B
86/100
Above average
See 3 verified quotes →

Kia of Carson

Carson, CA · 24 verified quotes

$85doc fee$559add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 24 verified quotes →

Stevens Creek Hyundai

Santa Clara, CA · 23 verified quotes

$85doc fee$256add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 23 verified quotes →

Car Pros Kia Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, CA · 21 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,202add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 21 verified quotes →

Toyota of Corona

Corona, CA · 17 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,259add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 17 verified quotes →

Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM

Elk Grove, CA · 16 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,834add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 16 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of West Covina

West Covina, CA · 13 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,104add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 13 verified quotes →

Elk Grove Kia

Elk Grove, CA · 12 verified quotes

$85doc fee$794add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 12 verified quotes →

Ford of Montebello

Montebello, CA · 12 verified quotes

$85doc fee$907add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 12 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim

Anaheim, CA · 12 verified quotes

$85doc fee$554add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 12 verified quotes →

Kia Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$772add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 8 verified quotes →

Livermore Ford

Livermore, CA · 7 verified quotes

$85doc fee$818add-ons
B
85/100
Above average
See 7 verified quotes →
PreviousPage 39 of 245Next

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.