Best Car Dealers in California

As of November 2026, CarEdge grades 2706 of 4892 California car dealers from 11,325 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.

1410 of 2706 rated California dealers earn an A · 876 earn a D or F

Data updated Nov 6, 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 2706 dealers with verified quotes.

$85
Avg Doc Fee
68%
No Add-ons
76/100
Avg Score
11,325
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

Genesis of South Bay

Torrance, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Giant Chevrolet

Visalia, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Hopkins Acura

Redwood City, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Kearny Mesa Toyota

San Diego, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Premier Hyundai of Moreno Valley

Moreno Valley, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Riverside Hyundai

Riverside, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Rock Honda

Fontana, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Serramonte Ford

Colma, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Simpson Buick GMC of Buena Park

Buena Park, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

South Bay Ford

Hawthorne, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Spreen Subaru

San Bernardino, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Subaru of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Tustin Hyundai

Tustin, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Tuttle-Click Mazda

Irvine, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Weir Canyon Acura

Anaheim, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes →

Aston Martin Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Audi Fletcher Jones

Costa Mesa, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Audi Riverside

Riverside, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes →

Audi San Jose

San Jose, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 4 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 1874 rated California dealers is $85, based on 11,325 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. 1410 of 2706 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.