Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1438 of 4776 California car dealers from 6,379 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $114.
708 of 1438 rated California dealers earn an A · 308 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 11, 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 1438 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4776 dealers →Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesFairview Ford
San Bernardino, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesHoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesChico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
H & K Auto
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
Heritage Ford
Modesto, CAModesto, CA
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CACalabasas, CA
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
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
Genesis Of Victorville
Victorville, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Pedder Nissan
Hemet, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
M&S Auto
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Drive Parks Auto
CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Precious Metals
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Premier Chevrolet Of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Cost Less Auto Inc.
Rocklin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Zas Motors
San Diego, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Mendoza Automotive Group
Bakersfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
M Cars
Fairfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Mark Christopher Auto Center
Ontario, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
MINI Of Stevens Creek
Santa Clara, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Main Street Motors Fallbrook Ca
Fallbrook, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Luxe Auto Sales
Modesto, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Lsm Cars
Fullerton, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Moran Nachum Exotic Motors Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited 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 1061 rated California dealers is $114, based on 6,379 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?
Cadillac Of South San Francisco, Fairview Ford, Hoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram lead the California transparency rankings. 708 of 1438 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.