Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1406 of 4775 California car dealers from 6,273 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $97.
692 of 1406 rated California dealers earn an A · 302 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 →Galaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesCar Pros Honda El Monte
El Monte, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
Carfam
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
J Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat
Anaheim, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Antelope Valley Chevrolet
Lancaster, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Plug-In Auto
West Covina, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Lexus Of Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Hgreg Lux
Costa Mesa, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Orange Coast Infiniti
Westminster, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Laguna Niguel Hyundai
Laguna Niguel, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
East County Preowned
El Cajon, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Gilroy Buick GMC
Gilroy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dch Honda Of Mission Valley
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Karwow
Corona, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Ken Grody Ford #1 San Diego Ford Dealer
Carlsbad, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dan Reed Autos
Escondido, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pedder Chrysler Dodge Ram + Jeep Of Poway
Poway, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Marin Subaru
San Rafael, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Matt Mazzei Chevrolet
Lakeport, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Nash Auto Inc
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Valencia Auto Center
Santa Clarita, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Maverick Toyota
Lemon Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Audi Downtown La
Los Angeles, 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 1406 rated California dealers is $97, based on 6,273 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?
Galaxy Auto Deals Inc, Autonation Ford Torrance, Car Pros Honda El Monte lead the California transparency rankings. 692 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.