Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1384 of 4772 California car dealers from 6,186 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $102.
677 of 1384 rated California dealers earn an A · 304 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 6, 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 1384 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4772 dealers →Delta Honda
Pittsburg, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesMazda Of Escondido
Escondido, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Murrieta
Murrieta, CAMurrieta, CA
Capistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CASan Juan Capistrano, CA
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Manly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Sell My Rv Wizard
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rcg Motors
Rocklin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Nissan Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Matrix Auto Sales
San Ramon, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Crown Toyota
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
The Argus Co
Santa Cruz, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mercedes-Benz Of Temecula
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Audi Riverside
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Auburn, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Wittmeier Chevrolet
Chico, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Orange Coast Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Swickard Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Jaguar Land Rover San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Land Rover Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Genesis Of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lexus Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Sd Mission Auto Sales
Vista, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Borjon Auto Center
Paso Robles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ed Dena'S Auto Center GMC
Dinuba, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
La City Cars
La Puente, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
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 July 2026, the average documentation fee at 1384 rated California dealers is $102, based on 6,186 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?
Delta Honda, Mazda Of Escondido, BMW Of Santa Monica lead the California transparency rankings. 677 of 1384 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 $102. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 56% 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.