Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1486 of 4777 California car dealers from 6,523 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $118.
722 of 1486 rated California dealers earn an A · 333 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 14, 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 1486 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4777 dealers →BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesBakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 22 verified quotes
See the quotesGalaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CASacramento, CA
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CAEl Cerrito, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Antonio's Auto Sales
Cameron Park, CA
Anytime 2buy Auto Llc
Oceanside, CA
Anywhere Motors
West Covina, CA
Apex Auto Gallery
Glendale, CA
Apex Auto Sales
Santa Ana, CA
Apex Motors
Sacramento, CA
Apexcars.net
Fremont, CA
Apollo Auto
El Monte, CA
Apollo Auto El Monte
El Monte, CA
Apollo Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Approved Autos
Bakersfield, CA
Approved Autos
Sacramento, CA
Ara Automotive Inc
Chula Vista, CA
Archangel Michael Auto Group Inc
Bloomington, CA
Arden Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Ares Auto Group Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
Argus Co
Santa Cruz, CA
Aria Auto Sales
El Cajon, CA
Ariana Motors Llc
Temecula, CA
Arise Auto Network Llc
Los Angeles, CA
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 1083 rated California dealers is $118, based on 6,523 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?
BMW Of Santa Monica, Bakersfield Mazda, Galpin Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 722 of 1486 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 $118. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 58% 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.