Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2630 of 5141 California car dealers from 9,547 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $125.
1227 of 2630 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 2630 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
Knight Claremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Claremont, CA · 13 verified quotes
Dalton Hyundai National City
National City, CA · 9 verified quotes
California Motor Trade
Norco, CA · 5 verified quotes
Audi Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, CA · 3 verified quotes
Drive Knight Group
CA · 3 verified quotes
Niello BMW Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · 3 verified quotes
Norm Reeves Hyundai
Cerritos, CA · 7 verified quotes
Porsche San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 7 verified quotes
Land Rover Ventura
Ventura, CA · 3 verified quotes
Sprinter Vans Of Arcadia
Arcadia, CA · 3 verified quotes
Ie Motors Direct
Montclair, CA · 4 verified quotes
Autoboutique
Columbus, CA · 8 verified quotes
Uptown Ford Of Oakland
Oakland, CA · 6 verified quotes
Clovis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Clovis, CA · 4 verified quotes
Premier Chevrolet Of Buena Park
Buena Park, CA · 5 verified quotes
Jaguar Land Rover Marin
Corte Madera, CA · 5 verified quotes
Cadillac Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA · 4 verified quotes
Knight Audi Elk Grove
Elk Grove, CA · 5 verified quotes
Mazzei Chevrolet
Vacaville, CA · 3 verified quotes
Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Tracy, 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 1810 rated California dealers is $125, based on 9,547 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 2630 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.