Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2624 of 5085 California car dealers from 12,191 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $109.
1588 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
Xpress Motors
Los Banos, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Zach's Auto Wholesale
Clovis, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Zrv Auto Inc
Brea, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Zube's Import Auto Sales
San Luis Obispo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
K&S Acura Of Kearny Mesa
San Diego, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Auto Advantage - By Appointment Only
By Appointment Only, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Autonation We'Ll Buy Your Car Riverside
Riverside, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Auto One
Santa Cruz, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Autosnow4sale
El Dorado, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Best Auto Sales
Corona, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Boardwalk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Redwood City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cali Auto Sales
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carz R Us
Lynwood, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Eureka Motors Llc
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Everest Auto Center
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Fast Eagle Motors
Citrus Heights, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Grace Motors
Manteca, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Horizon Auto Sales Inc
Bellflower, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kar Company
Fontana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lending Group Auto
Sacramento, 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 12,191 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. 1588 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.