Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2624 of 5085 California car dealers from 12,179 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $109.
1589 of 2624 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 2624 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
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More Dealers in California
San Diego Ecars
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sanger Chevrolet
Sanger, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Santa Barbara Auto Group
Santa Barbara, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Santa Cruz Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Santa Cruz, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Santa Cruz Motors
Santa Cruz, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Santa Maria Nissan Mazda
Santa Maria, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Santa Monica GMC Inc
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sbg Auto
Bakersfield, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Select Motors
San Mateo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Select Motorz Hesperia (Bear Valley Rd)
Hesperia, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Serramonte Subaru
Colma, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Serramonte Volkswagen
Colma, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Shane's Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Shark Auto Sales
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Shmizzy's Garage Llc
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Shogun Auto Center
Hanford, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sierra Auto Group Honda
Monrovia, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sierra Honda (Sierra Auto Group)
Monrovia, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sigma Auto Group
Concord, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Simi Valley Jeep
Simi Valley, 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 12,179 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. 1589 of 2624 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.