Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1406 of 4775 California car dealers from 6,269 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $97.
693 of 1406 rated California dealers earn an A · 303 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 8, 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 1406 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4775 dealers →Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesSunnyvale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Sunnyvale, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesSunnyvale Volkswagen
Sunnyvale, CASunnyvale, CA
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Mazda Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CAThousand Oaks, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
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
Livermore Maserati
Livermore, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Honda San Carlos
San Carlos, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Modesto Toyota
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
North Valley Isuzu Truck & Fleet Services
West Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
I Auto Sales Inc
Bloomington, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Cumming Chevrolet
National City, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Central Valley Hyundai
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cabral Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Manteca, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Av GMC Cadillac
Palmdale, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lithia Hyundai Of Fresno
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Envision Ford Of Oxnard
Oxnard, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pacheco, Casen
Sun City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Envision Ford Of Duarte
Duarte, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Gill Chevrolet
Kerman, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Crown Dodge
Redding, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Keller Ford
Hanford, 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 1406 rated California dealers is $97, based on 6,269 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?
Carfornia.Com, Sunnyvale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Autonation Chevrolet Valencia lead the California transparency rankings. 693 of 1406 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 $97. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 57% 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.