Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2599 of 5019 California car dealers from 11,898 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1546 of 2599 rated California dealers earn an A · 507 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 19, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
77/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2599 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5019 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 29 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Jim Falk Lexus Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Woodland Hills, CAWoodland Hills, CA
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More Dealers in California
Penske Toyota
Downey, CA · 13 verified quotes
BMW Buena Park
Buena Park, CA · 12 verified quotes
Modesto Subaru
Modesto, CA · 12 verified quotes
Subaru Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 12 verified quotes
Mazda Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 11 verified quotes
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CA · 10 verified quotes
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CA · 10 verified quotes
Los Angeles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Los Angeles, CA · 10 verified quotes
Mckenna BMW
Norwalk, CA · 10 verified quotes
Rio Vista Chevrolet
Buellton, CA · 10 verified quotes
Toyota Of Clovis
Clovis, CA · 10 verified quotes
European Exotic Center
San Clemente, CA · 9 verified quotes
Honda Of Oakland
Oakland, CA · 9 verified quotes
Volkswagen Of Fairfield
Fairfield, CA · 9 verified quotes
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CA · 8 verified quotes
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CA · 8 verified quotes
Coastline CDJR
San Juan Capistrano, CA · 8 verified quotes
Future Kia Of Clovis
Clovis, CA · 8 verified quotes
Ken Grody Ford Inland Empire
Redlands, CA · 8 verified quotes
Raceway Ford
Riverside, CA · 8 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 1682 rated California dealers is $110, based on 11,898 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, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1546 of 2599 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 $110. 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.