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
Motor Team Inc
Hayward, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
My Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
Salinas, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
My Kia
Salinas, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
New2u Auto Group Llc
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
New Pbb Auto
El Monte, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Nissan Of Yuba City
Yuba City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Nitro Auto
Vallejo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Noble Drive Motors
El Cajon, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Norcal Auto Mart
Vacaville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Northstate Auto Brokers
Chico, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Northwood Chevrolet
Eureka, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Norwalk Toyota / Envision Motors
Norwalk, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Obzu
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Oc Autosource
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ocean Subaru Of Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Olympic Motors
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ontario Auto Square
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Orange County Auto Wholesale
Irvine, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Orange Motorcars
Orange, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Oxnard Mitsubishi
Oxnard, 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.