Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2624 of 5139 California car dealers from 9,508 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $125.
1225 of 2624 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 2624 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
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More Dealers in California
Fresno Lexus
Fresno, CA · 3 verified quotes
Hemborg Ford
Norco, CA · 3 verified quotes
Keyes European
Los Angeles, CA · 3 verified quotes
Kia Irvine
Riverside, CA · 3 verified quotes
Mullahey Ford
Arroyo Grande, CA · 3 verified quotes
Rosso Corsa
Costa Mesa, CA · 3 verified quotes
Thomas Acura
Covina, CA · 3 verified quotes
West Coast Classics Llc
Torrance, CA · 3 verified quotes
Zaza Carz Inc
San Leandro, CA · 3 verified quotes
Fremont Buick GMC
Fremont, CA · 6 verified quotes
Garden Grove Kia
Garden Grove, CA · 22 verified quotes
Kia Of Irvine
Irvine, CA · 21 verified quotes
Kearny Mesa
San Diego, CA · 16 verified quotes
Capitol Mazda
San Jose, CA · 12 verified quotes
Tracy Volkswagen
Tracy, CA · 11 verified quotes
Palm Springs Subaru
Cathedral City, CA · 10 verified quotes
Oakland Kia
Oakland, CA · 8 verified quotes
Infiniti Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 3 verified quotes
Honor GMC Hummer
National City, CA · 5 verified quotes
Riverside Chevrolet
Riverside, CA · 5 verified quotes
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 1805 rated California dealers is $125, based on 9,508 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. 1225 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 $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.