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

Kia of Stockton

Stockton, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$746add-ons
B
84/100
Above average
See 4 verified quotes →

Roseville Chevrolet

Roseville, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$896add-ons
B
84/100
Above average
See 4 verified quotes →

Audi West Covina

West Covina, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,428add-ons
B
84/100
Above average
See 3 verified quotes →

Low Price Auto Sales

Los Angeles, CA · 3 verified quotes

$70doc fee$190add-ons
B
84/100
Above average
See 3 verified quotes →

San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

San Leandro, CA · 19 verified quotes

$85doc fee$431add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 19 verified quotes →

Future Hyundai of Concord

Concord, CA · 16 verified quotes

$85doc fee$244add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 16 verified quotes →

Lexus of Marin

San Rafael, CA · 14 verified quotes

$85doc fee$785add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 14 verified quotes →

Hyundai of Vacaville

Vacaville, CA · 13 verified quotes

$85doc fee$732add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 13 verified quotes →

Jim Burke Ford

Bakersfield, CA · 12 verified quotes

$85doc fee$467add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 12 verified quotes →

Subaru of Glendale

Glendale, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$568add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Van Nuys Kia

Los Angeles, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$747add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 8 verified quotes →

Temecula Nissan

Murrieta, CA · 7 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,586add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 7 verified quotes →

Hayward Nissan

Hayward, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$914add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 6 verified quotes →

Norm Reeves Volkswagen

Irvine, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,147add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 6 verified quotes →

West Coast Toyota of Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$563add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 6 verified quotes →

Concord Nissan

Concord, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$439add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Elite Motor Cars

Concord, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$785add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Martin Chevrolet

Torrance, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,630add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Rocklin

Rocklin, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,557add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Sutherlin Kia Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,635add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →
PreviousPage 42 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.