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
Search 22,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Land Rover Anaheim Hills
Anaheim, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Puente Hills
City of Industry, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Van Nuys
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
La Quinta Chevrolet
La Quinta, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Larry's Auto Sales Inc.
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Legend Auto
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Legend Auto Sales Inc
Lemon Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lodi Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Lodi, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Long Beach Honda
Signal Hill, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Los Alegres Auto Sales Inc
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Los Angeles Car Club Llc
Pasadena, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Los Compadres Auto Sales
Bloomington, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Loukas Motorcars
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lucas Auto Center 2
South Gate, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Luxury Auto Leasing
Marina del Rey, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Madera Ford
Madera, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Main Street Auto
Vallejo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Manly Honda In Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, 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.