Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2629 of 5141 California car dealers from 9,538 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
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More Dealers in California
Folsom Buick GMC
Folsom, CA · 5 verified quotes
Lexus Of Westminster
Westminster, CA · 5 verified quotes
Sunset Honda
San Luis Obispo, CA · 5 verified quotes
Cardinaleway Hyundai Glendora
Glendora, CA · 3 verified quotes
Kia Of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 14 verified quotes
Bob Stall Chevrolet
La Mesa, CA · 7 verified quotes
Puente Hills Hyundai
City of Industry, CA · 5 verified quotes
Cardinale Auto Group
Marina, CA · 3 verified quotes
Alfa Romeo Of San Jose
San Jose, CA · 6 verified quotes
Fontana CDJR
Fontana, CA · 4 verified quotes
Kearny Mesa Chevrolet
San Diego, CA · 4 verified quotes
Polestar Marin
San Rafael, CA · 4 verified quotes
The Luxury Collection Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA · 3 verified quotes
Dublin Nissan
Dublin, CA · 18 verified quotes
Capitol Subaru
San Jose, CA · 11 verified quotes
Porsche Marin
Mill Valley, CA · 8 verified quotes
Irvine Acura
Irvine, CA · 7 verified quotes
Audi Of America
America, CA · 9 verified quotes
Epic Chevrolet Cadillac
Sacramento, CA · 9 verified quotes
Knight Claremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Claremont, CA · 12 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 9,538 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.