Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2595 of 5031 California car dealers from 11,835 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1543 of 2595 rated California dealers earn an A · 507 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 18, 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 2595 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5031 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
Mercedes-Benz Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA · 5 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 5 verified quotes
Meritage Auto Sales
Auburn, CA · 5 verified quotes
Mossy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Chula Vista, CA · 5 verified quotes
Mossy Volkswagen
Escondido, CA · 5 verified quotes
North Bay Ford
Santa Cruz, CA · 5 verified quotes
Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · 5 verified quotes
Robins Ford
Costa Mesa, CA · 5 verified quotes
Simpson Buick GMC
Buena Park, CA · 5 verified quotes
Sunnyvale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Sunnyvale, CA · 5 verified quotes
Toyota Salinas
Salinas, CA · 5 verified quotes
Audi North Oc
Placentia, CA · 4 verified quotes
Audi Pasadena
Pasadena, CA · 4 verified quotes
Bentley Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA · 4 verified quotes
BMW Fresno
Fresno, CA · 4 verified quotes
BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CA · 4 verified quotes
Caruso Ford
Long Beach, CA · 4 verified quotes
Cb Chevrolet In San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 4 verified quotes
Genesis Of South Bay
Torrance, CA · 4 verified quotes
Green Light Auto Wholesale
Daly City, 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 1679 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,835 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. 1543 of 2595 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.