Best Car Dealers in California

As of November 2026, CarEdge grades 2711 of 4893 California car dealers from 11,393 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.

1416 of 2711 rated California dealers earn an A · 875 earn a D or F

Data updated Nov 8, 2026 · How we score dealers

The Golden State

California's dealer grade: C

76/100 average transparency score

52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.

Based on 2711 dealers with verified quotes.

$85
Avg Doc Fee
68%
No Add-ons
76/100
Avg Score
11,393
Verified Quotes

Browse Dealers by Brand in California

Look up any dealer’s transparency grade

Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.

More Dealers in California

Hanna Automotive LLC

Chino, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
93/100
Highly transparent
See 1 verified quote →

Nukar Co

Murrieta, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data

$70doc feeNo add-ons
A
93/100
Highly transparent
See 1 verified quote →

Oceansky Auto

Brea, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data

$70doc feeNo add-ons
A
93/100
Highly transparent
See 1 verified quote →

Bahal Motors

Concord, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$176doc feeNo add-ons
A
92/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Faggart Automotive Center

Porterville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
92/100
Highly transparent
See 1 verified quote →

Rao Auto Group

Corona, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
92/100
Highly transparent
See 1 verified quote →

Bob Smith MINI

Calabasas, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$399add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

East County Pre-Owned Superstore

El Cajon, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$500add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Gms Autos

Placentia, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$448add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Hansel Volkswagen of Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$498add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

North County Kia

Escondido, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$448add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Lexus of Fremont

Fremont, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$240add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Temecula

Temecula, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$494add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

MINI of Escondido

Escondido, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$498add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Penske Chevrolet of Cerritos

Cerritos, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$348add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Star Ford Lincoln

Glendale, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$198add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Star Mazda Glendale

Glendale, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$499add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Subaru of Sonora

Sonora, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$199add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Surf City Nissan

Huntington Beach, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$248add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →

Visalia Hyundai

Visalia, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data

$85doc fee$150add-ons
A
91/100
Highly transparent
See 2 verified quotes →
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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 November 2026, the average documentation fee at 1880 rated California dealers is $85, based on 11,393 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, Toyota of Orange, Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach lead the California transparency rankings. 1416 of 2711 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 $85. 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.