Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1419 of 4786 California car dealers from 6,295 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $113.
699 of 1419 rated California dealers earn an A · 305 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 9, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
76/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1419 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4786 dealers →Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesKia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesBMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Mazda Of Valencia
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CAEl Cajon, CA
Mazda Of Vacaville
Vacaville, CAVacaville, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
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More Dealers in California
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
Maverick Toyota
Lemon Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Epic Cadillac
Sacramento, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Perris Valley Kia
Perris, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Toyota Of Napa Jimmy Vasser
Napa Jimmy Vasser, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Winn Volkswagen
Newark, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
The High-Line Group
Rancho Cordova, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Chevrolet Of Watsonville
Watsonville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Unitedaccess
Santa Rosa, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Siry Auto
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
605 Auto Inc.
Bellflower, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
California Motor Center
Bellflower, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, 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 1044 rated California dealers is $113, based on 6,295 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?
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad, Kia Santa Monica, BMW Of Santa Monica lead the California transparency rankings. 699 of 1419 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 $113. 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.