Best Car Dealers in California

As of November 2026, CarEdge grades 2709 of 4893 California car dealers from 11,339 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.

1412 of 2709 rated California dealers earn an A · 877 earn a D or F

Data updated Nov 6, 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 2709 dealers with verified quotes.

$85
Avg Doc Fee
68%
No Add-ons
76/100
Avg Score
11,339
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

Tim Moran Ford

Hemet, CA · 44 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 44 verified quotes →

I-10 Toyota

Indio, CA · 39 verified quotes

$85doc fee$138add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 39 verified quotes →

Hilltop Kia

Richmond, CA · 35 verified quotes

$85doc fee$29add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 35 verified quotes →

Wondries Toyota

Alhambra, CA · 35 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 35 verified quotes →

Gardena Honda

Gardena, CA · 33 verified quotes

$85doc fee$242add-ons
CarEdge Certified
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 33 verified quotes →

Toyota Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek, CA · 31 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 31 verified quotes →

Toyota of Anaheim

Anaheim, CA · 26 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 26 verified quotes →

Tustin Mazda

Tustin, CA · 25 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 25 verified quotes →

Freeway Honda

Santa Ana, CA · 24 verified quotes

$85doc fee$120add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 24 verified quotes →

Mossy Toyota

San Diego, CA · 22 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 22 verified quotes →

Sedano Ford

La Mesa, CA · 22 verified quotes

$85doc fee$36add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 22 verified quotes →

BMW of Fremont

Fremont, CA · 20 verified quotes

$85doc fee$50add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 20 verified quotes →

Jim Falk Lexus of Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA · 18 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 18 verified quotes →

Puente Hills Subaru

City Of Industry, CA · 18 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 18 verified quotes →

Toyota of Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA · 18 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 18 verified quotes →

Autonation Ford Tustin

Tustin, CA · 16 verified quotes

$85doc fee$156add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 16 verified quotes →

Autonation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Carlsbad

Carlsbad, CA · 15 verified quotes

$85doc fee$50add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 15 verified quotes →

Hayward Honda

Hayward, CA · 15 verified quotes

$122doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 15 verified quotes →

Manly Hyundai

Santa Rosa, CA · 15 verified quotes

$85doc feeNo add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 15 verified quotes →

Capistrano Volkswagen

San Juan Capistrano, CA · 13 verified quotes

$85doc fee$69add-ons
A
99/100
Highly transparent
See 13 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 1876 rated California dealers is $85, based on 11,339 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. 1412 of 2709 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.