Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2595 of 5030 California car dealers from 11,807 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1543 of 2595 rated California dealers earn an A · 507 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 18, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
77/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2595 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5030 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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Heritage Ford
Modesto, CA · 4 verified quotes
H & K Auto
San Jose, CA · 4 verified quotes
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CA · 4 verified quotes
Mazda Of Escondido
Escondido, CA · 4 verified quotes
Roseville Chevrolet
Roseville, CA · 4 verified quotes
Shingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CA · 4 verified quotes
Simi Valley
Simi Valley, CA · 4 verified quotes
Smothers European Volvo Cars
Santa Rosa, CA · 4 verified quotes
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CA · 4 verified quotes
Swickard Toyota 101
Redwood City, CA · 4 verified quotes
Team Nissan
Oxnard, CA · 4 verified quotes
Tustin Cadillac
Tustin, CA · 4 verified quotes
Audi Escondido
Escondido, CA · 3 verified quotes
Audi Fletcher Jones
Costa Mesa, CA · 3 verified quotes
Autonation
San Jose, CA · 3 verified quotes
Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep
Bakersfield, CA · 3 verified quotes
BMW Of Monrovia
Monrovia, CA · 3 verified quotes
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 3 verified quotes
BMW Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · 3 verified quotes
Bravo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA · 3 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 1679 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,807 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. 1543 of 2595 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.