Best Car Dealers in California

As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1846 of 4803 California car dealers from 7,847 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.

924 of 1846 rated California dealers earn an A · 417 earn a D or F

Data updated Jul 26, 2026 · How we score dealers

The Golden State

California's dealer grade: C

75/100 average transparency score

50th highest doc fees in the U.S.

Based on 1846 dealers with verified quotes.

$112
Avg Doc Fee
62%
No Add-ons
75/100
Avg Score
7,847
Verified Quotes

Browse Dealers by Brand in California

Look up any dealer’s transparency grade

Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.

More Dealers in California

Jim Bone Kia

Santa Rosa, CA · 5 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 5 verified quotes

Kearny Mesa Hyundai

San Diego, CA · 10 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 10 verified quotes

One Toyota Of Oakland

Oakland, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes

Cuesta GMC

San Luis Obispo, CA · 6 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 6 verified quotes

Ford Fairfield

Fairfield, CA · 44 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 44 verified quotes

Penske Buick GMC

Cerritos, CA · 7 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 7 verified quotes

Perry Ford Of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · 4 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 4 verified quotes

Porsche Ontario

Ontario, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 9 verified quotes

Delta Honda

Pittsburg, CA · 3 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
100/100
Highly transparent
See 3 verified quotes

Victorville Mitsubishi

Victorville, CA · 6 verified quotes

$116doc feeNo add-ons
A
99.9/100
Highly transparent
See 6 verified quotes

Toyota Salinas

Salinas, CA · 6 verified quotes

$120doc feeNo add-ons
A
99.8/100
Highly transparent
See 6 verified quotes

Hayward Honda

Hayward, CA · 14 verified quotes

$122doc feeNo add-ons
A
99.7/100
Highly transparent
See 14 verified quotes

Freeway Honda

Santa Ana, CA · 27 verified quotes

$85doc fee$107add-ons
A
99.3/100
Highly transparent
See 27 verified quotes

Ken Grody Ford Orange County

Buena Park, CA · 6 verified quotes

$140doc feeNo add-ons
A
99.2/100
Highly transparent
See 6 verified quotes

Hoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Woodland, CA · 11 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99.1/100
Highly transparent
See 11 verified quotes

Rio Vista Chevrolet

Buellton, CA · 10 verified quotes

$77doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 10 verified quotes

South Bay Lexus

Torrance, CA · 21 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 21 verified quotes

Tracy Honda

Tracy, CA · 18 verified quotes

$85doc fee$122add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 18 verified quotes

Tustin Mazda

Tustin, CA · 20 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 20 verified quotes

Carson Honda

Carson, CA · 9 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
98.9/100
Highly transparent
See 9 verified quotes
PreviousPage 6 of 240Next

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 1256 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,847 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?

Supreme Auto, Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach, Porsche Santa Clarita lead the California transparency rankings. 924 of 1846 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 $112. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
  • Good news on add-ons: 62% 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.