Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1846 of 4803 California car dealers from 7,847 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
924 of 1846 rated California dealers earn an A · 417 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 26, 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 1846 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4803 dealers →Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesSutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesPorsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 15 verified quotes
See the quotesPorsche Stevens Creek
Santa Clara, CASanta Clara, CA
Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CASan Bernardino, CA
BMW Fresno
Fresno, CAFresno, CA
H & K Auto
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Putnam Kia
Burlingame, CABurlingame, CA
Home Motors Chevrolet
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Raceway Ford
Riverside, CARiverside, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Autonation Toyota Hayward
Hayward, CA · 16 verified quotes
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CA · 8 verified quotes
Fremont Toyota
Fremont, CA · 8 verified quotes
BMW Of El Cajon
El Cajon, CA · 3 verified quotes
Valencia BMW
Santa Clarita, CA · 14 verified quotes
Hilltop Kia
Richmond, CA · 29 verified quotes
Future Kia Of Clovis
Clovis, CA · 7 verified quotes
Subaru Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 12 verified quotes
Modesto Subaru
Modesto, CA · 12 verified quotes
BMW Buena Park
Buena Park, CA · 12 verified quotes
Serramonte Kia
Colma, CA · 4 verified quotes
Diamond Hyundai Palmdale
Palmdale, CA · 32 verified quotes
Volvo Cars Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA · 6 verified quotes
Toyota Of Orange
Orange, CA · 18 verified quotes
Capitol Toyota
San Jose, CA · 6 verified quotes
The Ford Store San Leandro
San Leandro, CA · 6 verified quotes
BMW Of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 22 verified quotes
City Toyota
Daly City, CA · 11 verified quotes
Toyota Chula Vista
Chula Vista, CA · 11 verified quotes
Autonation Mazda Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 10 verified quotes
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 July 2026, the average documentation fee at 1256 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,847 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?
Supreme Auto, Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach, Porsche Santa Clarita lead the California transparency rankings. 924 of 1846 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 $112. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 62% 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.