Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2629 of 5141 California car dealers from 9,530 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $125.
1227 of 2629 rated California dealers earn an A · 923 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 2629 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5141 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
Tracy Volkswagen
Tracy, CA · 11 verified quotes
Palm Springs Subaru
Cathedral City, CA · 10 verified quotes
Infiniti Of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 3 verified quotes
Oakland Kia
Oakland, CA · 7 verified quotes
Honor GMC Hummer
National City, CA · 5 verified quotes
Riverside Chevrolet
Riverside, CA · 5 verified quotes
Capitol Hyundai
San Jose, CA · 9 verified quotes
Victorville Motors
Victorville, CA · 7 verified quotes
Redlands
Redlands, CA · 4 verified quotes
Shingle Springs Subaru
Shingle Springs, CA · 3 verified quotes
Victorville Chevrolet Cadillac
Victorville, CA · 3 verified quotes
Scott Robinson Honda
Torrance, CA · 5 verified quotes
Cumming Chevrolet
National City, CA · 7 verified quotes
San Leandro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
San Leandro, CA · 19 verified quotes
West Covina CDJR
West Covina, CA · 6 verified quotes
Bentley San Diego
Rancho Santa Fe, CA · 3 verified quotes
Kia Of Paso Robles
Paso Robles, CA · 3 verified quotes
Marvin K. Brown Cadillac
San Diego, CA · 3 verified quotes
Paradise Chevrolet
Ventura, CA · 3 verified quotes
Porsche Rocklin
Rocklin, CA · 3 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 1809 rated California dealers is $125, based on 9,530 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. 1227 of 2629 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.