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
Chevrolet Of Culver City
Culver City, CA · 15 verified quotes
Fontana Motors Direct
Fontana, CA · 4 verified quotes
Premier Chevrolet Of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 4 verified quotes
Capitol Infiniti
San Jose, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Corona Nissan
Corona, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Auto Republic
Fullerton, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Central Valley Hyundai
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Liberty Chevrolet
Selma, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Av GMC Cadillac
Palmdale, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Hyundai San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Stewart Chevrolet
Colma, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Superbuycars.Com
Upland, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Fremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Newark, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Miramar Car Center
San Diego, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Budget Car Sales & Rental
Norwalk, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Carco Sales & Finance
Chula Vista, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Larry H. Miller Dealerships
Corona, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Ferrari Of Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Porsche Livermore
Livermore, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Shelly Automotive
Irvine, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
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.