Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1403 of 4772 California car dealers from 6,233 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $98.
690 of 1403 rated California dealers earn an A · 305 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 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 1403 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4772 dealers →Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesCuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesFullerton Ford
Fullerton, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Faggart Automotive Center
Porterville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Honor Buick GMC
National City, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Eastbay Motorcars
Dublin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Marvin K. Brown Auto Center
San Diego, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
North State Auto
Walnut Creek, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Audi Pasadena
Pasadena, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Fresno Lexus
Fresno, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Audi West Covina
West Covina, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Infiniti Of South Bay
Torrance, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Corona Nissan
Corona, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kia Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Antioch Toyota
Antioch, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Victory Honda San Bruno
CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Autonation Volkswagen Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Penske Cadillac Of South Bay
Torrance, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Keyes Lexus
Los Angeles, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Parkway
San Jose, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Norm Reeves Genesis Of Irvine
Irvine, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Steve Clark Auto Sales
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Modesto Toyota
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited 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 1403 rated California dealers is $98, based on 6,233 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?
Harbor Chevrolet, Cuesta GMC, Fullerton Ford lead the California transparency rankings. 690 of 1403 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 $98. 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.