Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1431 of 4776 California car dealers from 6,344 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $114.
705 of 1431 rated California dealers earn an A · 306 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 10, 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 1431 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4776 dealers →Volvo Cars San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesRio Vista Chevrolet
Buellton, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesHarbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesKeyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Volvo Cars Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Roseville Chevrolet
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Roseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Rotolo Chevrolet
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Rusnak BMW
Westlake Village, CAWestlake Village, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
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
605 Auto Inc.
Bellflower, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Siry Auto
San Diego, 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
Temecula Nissan
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Shottenkirk Desert Lexus
Cathedral City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Tracy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Tom Bell Chevrolet
Redlands, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Genesis Of Victorville
Victorville, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
South Coast Mitsubishi
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Penske Chevrolet Of Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Madera Auto Center
Chowchilla, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pedder Nissan
Hemet, 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 1055 rated California dealers is $114, based on 6,344 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?
Volvo Cars San Francisco, Rio Vista Chevrolet, Harbor Chevrolet lead the California transparency rankings. 705 of 1431 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 $114. 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.