Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2625 of 5086 California car dealers from 12,171 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $109.
1590 of 2625 rated California dealers earn an A · 500 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 23, 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 2625 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5086 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
Mercedes-Benz Of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mercedes-Benz Of Riverside
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Merle Stone Chevrolet
Porterville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mesa Luxury Imports
Irvine, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Meza Auto Sales
Colton, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mike's Auto Sales
Salinas, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
MINI Of Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
MINI Of Concord
Berkeley, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
MINI Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Miracle Motor Cars Inc.
Victorville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Miramar Sport Cars
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mission Bay Motors
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mission Valley Ford
San Jose, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mjk Auto Sales Lift Kit
Rancho Cordova, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Modesto Auto Exchange
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mossy Automotive Group
Escondido, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mossy Nissan El Cajon
El Cajon, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mossy Nissan Escondido
Escondido, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mossy Nissan Oceanside Neighborly Way To Buy
Oceanside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Motor City Auto Center
Bakersfield, 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 1704 rated California dealers is $109, based on 12,171 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. 1590 of 2625 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.