Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1838 of 4804 California car dealers from 7,849 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
924 of 1838 rated California dealers earn an A · 408 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 26, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1838 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4804 dealers →Volkswagen Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesPenske Buick GMC
Cerritos, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesSimi Valley
Simi Valley, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesSimpson Chevrolet Of Irvine
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Simpson Buick GMC
Buena Park, CABuena Park, CA
South Bay Ford
Hawthorne, CAHawthorne, CA
Shingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CAShingle Springs, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CAThousand Oaks, CA
Meritage Auto Sales
Auburn, CAAuburn, CA
Volkswagen Of Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
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More Dealers in California
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CA · 3 verified quotes
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA · 6 verified quotes
West Coast Auto Sales
Montclair, CA · 3 verified quotes
Tuttle Click Mazda
Irvine, CA · 6 verified quotes
Tuttle-Click Ford
Irvine, CA · 3 verified quotes
Tuttle Click
Irvine, CA · 7 verified quotes
Tustin Cadillac
Tustin, CA · 3 verified quotes
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CA · 6 verified quotes
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CA · 4 verified quotes
Weir Canyon Honda
Yorba Linda, CA · 6 verified quotes
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CA · 4 verified quotes
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 9 verified quotes
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CA · 4 verified quotes
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 3 verified quotes
Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA · 44 verified quotes
BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CA · 4 verified quotes
Toyota Of Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA · 6 verified quotes
BMW Fresno
Fresno, CA · 3 verified quotes
Fullerton Ford
Fullerton, CA · 6 verified quotes
Galaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CA · 3 verified quotes
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 July 2026, the average documentation fee at 1257 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,849 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?
Volkswagen Thousand Oaks, Penske Buick GMC, Simi Valley lead the California transparency rankings. 924 of 1838 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 $112. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 62% 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.