Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2606 of 5025 California car dealers from 11,952 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1554 of 2606 rated California dealers earn an A · 504 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 21, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
78/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2606 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5025 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Woodland Hills, CAWoodland Hills, CA
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More Dealers in California
Yuba City Honda
Yuba City, CA · 5 verified quotes
T & D Auto Group
Fresno, CA · 3 verified quotes
Knight Claremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Claremont, CA · 14 verified quotes
Irvine Acura
Irvine, CA · 8 verified quotes
Land Rover San Diego
San Diego, CA · 8 verified quotes
Poway Honda
Poway, CA · 8 verified quotes
Ventura Volkswagen
Ventura, CA · 7 verified quotes
Volvo Cars Fresno
Fresno, CA · 5 verified quotes
Diamond Chevrolet Of San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA · 3 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz Of Rocklin
Rocklin, CA · 3 verified quotes
Epic Chevrolet Cadillac
Sacramento, CA · 16 verified quotes
Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Longmont, CA · 12 verified quotes
Honda Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA · 6 verified quotes
Land Rover Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 4 verified quotes
Sedano Chevrolet
Santee, CA · 4 verified quotes
The Luxury Collection Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA · 4 verified quotes
O'Gara Coach Company, Llc
Beverly Hills, CA · 3 verified quotes
Niello Audi
Sacramento, CA · 13 verified quotes
Porsche San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 8 verified quotes
Envision Motors
West Covina, CA · 6 verified quotes
Dealers by City in California
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 September 2026, the average documentation fee at 1688 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,952 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, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1554 of 2606 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 $110. 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.