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
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More Dealers in California
Toyota San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Volvo Mclaren
CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rgm Auto Sales
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Maserati Alfa Romeo Fiat Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Maserati Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Larry H. Miller Dealerships
Corona, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Miramar Car Center
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Volkswagen South Coast
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carfinity
Hayward, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Team Mazda El Cajon
CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pacific Volkswagen
Hawthorne, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Fleets 101 Inc
Norwalk, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Hyundai San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Marin Luxury Cars
Corte Madera, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Camino Real Chevrolet
Monterey Park, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kienle Motor Sports, Llc (Porsche Ontario)
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Roseville Kia
Roseville, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Niello Volvo Cars Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
J Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat
Anaheim, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Plug-In Auto
West Covina, 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.