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

Visalia Kia

Visalia, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,481add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 5 verified quotes →

Elk Grove Acura

Elk Grove, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$2,915add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 4 verified quotes →

Toyota of the Desert

Cathedral City, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc fee$869add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 4 verified quotes →

Carfinity

Hayward, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$533add-ons
B
83/100
Above average
See 3 verified quotes →

Temecula Valley Toyota

Temecula, CA · 41 verified quotes

$85doc fee$608add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 41 verified quotes →

Jimmy Vasser Toyota of Napa

Napa, CA · 21 verified quotes

$85doc fee$622add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 21 verified quotes →

Capitol Mazda

San Jose, CA · 19 verified quotes

$85doc fee$835add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 19 verified quotes →

Thompsons Toyota

Placerville, CA · 15 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,486add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 15 verified quotes →

Sterling BMW

Newport Beach, CA · 14 verified quotes

$85doc fee$558add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 14 verified quotes →

BMW of San Diego

San Diego, CA · 11 verified quotes

$85doc fee$754add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 11 verified quotes →

Marin Mazda

San Rafael, CA · 11 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,087add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 11 verified quotes →

Niello BMW Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,020add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 10 verified quotes →

Carl Burger Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM World

La Mesa, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$644add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Steve Hopkins Honda

Fairfield, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$272add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 9 verified quotes →

Coastline Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

San Juan Capistrano, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$3,393add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 8 verified quotes →

Kearny Mesa Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

San Diego, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,028add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 8 verified quotes →

Premier Buick GMC of Carlsbad

Carlsbad, CA · 7 verified quotes

$85doc fee$948add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 7 verified quotes →

Ventura Volkswagen

Ventura, CA · 7 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,252add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 7 verified quotes →

Honda Santa Maria

Santa Maria, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$970add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 6 verified quotes →

Kia of Valencia

Santa Clarita, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$931add-ons
B
82/100
Above average
See 6 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 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.
Best Car Dealers in California (2026): Graded A-F | CarEdge