Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2615 of 5086 California car dealers from 12,087 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $109.
1575 of 2615 rated California dealers earn an A · 501 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 22, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
78/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2615 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5086 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Tustin Mazda
Tustin, CATustin, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Carbeeco Inc
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Busters
Hayward, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car City Ontario
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cardinale GMC
Seaside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cardinale Mazda
Salinas, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Direct
Orange, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Expo Auto Center
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Genie
Patterson, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carin Auto
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carland Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carmotive Sm
Santa Maria, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carros N Trucks
Escondido, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cars 2000
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Sho
Corona, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carsmart Automotive
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Source
Pasadena, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Car Star Motors
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carster
Huntington Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cars With Class
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Caruso Lincoln
Long Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dealers by City in California
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 September 2026, the average documentation fee at 1694 rated California dealers is $109, based on 12,087 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?
Ford Fairfield, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1575 of 2615 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 $109. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 68% 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.