Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1462 of 4784 California car dealers from 6,439 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1462 rated California dealers earn an A · 323 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 13, 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 1462 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4784 dealers →Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesCapistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Highgrove Autos
Riverside, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Hertz Car Sales Sacramento, Ca
Sacramento, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Hemet, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Hb Used Autos
Santa Clarita, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Hardin Honda
Anaheim, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Hansel Auto Group
Santa Rosa, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
GMC Of Chico
Chico, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Givi Auto Sales
Irvine, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Stg Montclair
Montclair, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Gill Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Madera, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Genesis Auto Enterprise Llc
Riverside, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Galpin Lincoln
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Gabz Auto Llc
Fairfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Future Nissan
Roseville, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Fresno Auto Ryde
Fresno, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Fremont Auto Mall
Fremont, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Sun Land Auto Group
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Fontana Motors Direct
Fontana, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Folsom Lake Hyundai
Folsom, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Sunrise Ford - North Hollywood
Los Angeles, 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 1071 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,439 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?
Harbor Chevrolet, Autonation Ford Torrance, Capistrano Volkswagen lead the California transparency rankings. 713 of 1462 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 $116. 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.