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
Search 22,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Simpson Automotive Group
Irvine, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Smith Volvo Cars
San Luis Obispo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Socal Auto Brokers
Huntington Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Socal Penske Dealer Group
City of Industry, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
So Cal Performance Sd, Llc
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Soledad Auto Sales
Soledad, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sole Savers Eureka
Eureka, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sonora Ford
Sonora, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Southern California Chevy
Banning, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Southern California Preowned Of Orange
Stanton, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
South Valley Auto Wholesale
Santa Clara, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Special Interest Cars Of Lewiston, Ca
Lewiston, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sports Auto
Inglewood, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Spreen Mazda
Loma Linda, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Standard Auto Sales
Bakersfield, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Star Auto Sd
Escondido, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Steve Clark Auto Sales
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Subaru Of Sonora
Sonora, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Summit Subaru El Cajon
El Cajon, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sunrise Motors
Yuba City, 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.