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

Community Chevrolet

Burbank, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,822add-ons
C
78/100
Average
See 9 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Encino

Los Angeles, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$948add-ons
C
78/100
Average
See 3 verified quotes →

Pedder Nissan

Hemet, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$824add-ons
C
78/100
Average
See 3 verified quotes →

Dch Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat of Temecula

Temecula, CA · 32 verified quotes

$85doc fee$2,017add-ons
C
77/100
Average
See 32 verified quotes →

Evolving Motors Inc

Orange, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,304add-ons
C
77/100
Average
See 5 verified quotes →

Sunrise Ford of North Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$2,244add-ons
C
77/100
Average
See 5 verified quotes →

Toyota Marin

San Rafael, CA · 23 verified quotes

$85doc fee$819add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 23 verified quotes →

Roseville Kia

Roseville, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,743add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 10 verified quotes →

Shaver Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Thousand Oaks, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$2,006add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 8 verified quotes →

All Star Hyundai

Pittsburg, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,556add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 6 verified quotes →

Envision Motors

West Covina, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,578add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 6 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,495add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 6 verified quotes →

Niello Volvo Cars Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,224add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 5 verified quotes →

Novato Chevrolet

Novato, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,770add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 5 verified quotes →

Sedano Chevrolet

Santee, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$2,589add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 5 verified quotes →

Volkswagen Marin

San Rafael, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc fee$834add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 5 verified quotes →

Antelope Valley Chevrolet

Lancaster, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$2,673add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 3 verified quotes →

Hyundai of Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc fee$730add-ons
C
76/100
Average
See 3 verified quotes →

Performance Ford

West Covina, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc fee$1,528add-ons
C
75/100
Average
See 9 verified quotes →

Tustin Buick GMC

Tustin, CA · 8 verified quotes

$85doc fee$4,358add-ons
C
75/100
Average
See 8 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.