Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2619 of 5085 California car dealers from 12,078 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $109.
1579 of 2619 rated California dealers earn an A · 500 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 2619 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5085 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
Jim Vreeland Ford
Buellton, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Jnb Motor Inc.
Alhambra, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Josh The Auto Buyer
San Juan Capistrano, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
K1 Motors
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kaufmann Auto Sales Llc
Scotts Valley, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kearny Mesa Subaru
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Keller Used Car
Hanford, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ken Fowler Mazda
Ukiah, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kevin Gallagher
Point Arena, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kia Cerrittos
Lakewood, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kingsburg Truck Center
Kingsburg, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kirby Auto Group
Ventura, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Knight Elk Grove Acura
Elk Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
K&S Alfa Romeo Of San Diego
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kutsch Motorsports
Montclair, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Laa Leasing
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Laguna Niguel Auto Group
CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lake Elsinore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Lake Elsinore, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lake Motor Group Sd
Ramona, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lamborghini Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, 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 1699 rated California dealers is $109, based on 12,078 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. 1579 of 2619 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.