Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1461 of 4783 California car dealers from 6,441 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1461 rated California dealers earn an A · 322 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 1461 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4783 dealers →Stevens Creek Cadillac
Santa Clara, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesTuttle Click
Irvine, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesSutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesWatsonville Cadillac GMC
Watsonville, CAWatsonville, CA
Tuttle Click Mazda
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Manly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Capistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CASan Juan Capistrano, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Hansel Auto Group
Santa Rosa, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Perry Ford San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Zas Motors
San Diego, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
S&r Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Spreen Honda Corona
Corona, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Budget Auto Wholesale
Riverside, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Buick GMC Sherman Oaks
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Sport Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Fort Bragg, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Southern California Chevy
Banning, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Business Cars Llc
Inglewood, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
M Cars
Fairfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Mendoza Automotive Group
Bakersfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Sam's Motors
Westminster, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
The Car Lot Gv
Grass Valley, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Cal Auto Outlet 4 Cars
Rio Linda, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
GMC Of Chico
Chico, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Givi Auto Sales
Irvine, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Gill Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Madera, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Capitol GMC
San Jose, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Genesis Auto Enterprise Llc
Riverside, 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 1070 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,441 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?
Stevens Creek Cadillac, Tuttle Click, Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach lead the California transparency rankings. 713 of 1461 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.