Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2623 of 5139 California car dealers from 9,493 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $125.
1222 of 2623 rated California dealers earn an A · 925 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 23, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
72/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2623 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5139 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$40 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CA
$40 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$40 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 24 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Roseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Jimmy Smith GMC
Napa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
M Motorsport
Long Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Paradise Automotive Group
San Juan Capistrano, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Audi Burlingame
Burlingame, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Frank's Auto Sales
Salinas, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Lks Auto Sales
Fresno, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Modesto Toyota
Modesto, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
California Auto Finance Group
Fontana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ed Dena's Auto Center
Dinuba, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
North Hollywood Toyota
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Razzari Nissan
Merced, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Steves Chevrolet
Oakdale, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vak Auto Sales
Huntington Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Taj Auto Group
Vallejo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac
Temecula, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Swickard Buick GMC Of Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Trade In Solutions
Los Angeles, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Valencia Auto Center
Santa Clarita, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Victory Commercial Trucks
Petaluma, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Galaxy Of Cars
Los Angeles, 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 1804 rated California dealers is $125, based on 9,493 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, Gardena Honda, Toyota Of Orange lead the California transparency rankings. 1222 of 2623 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 $125. 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.