Best Car Dealers in California
As of November 2026, CarEdge grades 2711 of 4893 California car dealers from 11,393 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.
1416 of 2711 rated California dealers earn an A · 875 earn a D or F
Data updated Nov 8, 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 2711 dealers with verified quotes.
CarEdge Certified dealers in California
These dealers guarantee an all-in out-the-door price up front and no surprise add-ons.
- A100/1002026
Huntington Beach Mazda
Huntington Beach, CA
25 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA
8 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CA
8 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Premier Hyundai of Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley, CA
5 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Downey Nissan
Downey, CA
5 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Audi Riverside
Riverside, CA
4 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons
The grade behind the badge is earned, never bought. Certification never changes a dealer's grade or ranking.
See all 29 certified dealers →Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4893 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 41 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota of Orange
Orange, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 32 verified quotes
See the quotesSutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 31 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Huntington Beach Mazda
CertifiedHuntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
City Toyota
Daly City, CADaly City, CA
Roseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
BMW of Mountain View
Mountain View, CAMountain View, CA
Dublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
BMW of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
European Exotic Center
San Clemente, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Jim's Auto Sales Lomita
Lomita, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Alsbou Motors - Santa Ana
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lithia Ford of Fresno
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Porsche Fresno
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ray's Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Victorville Cadillac
Victorville, CA · 4 verified quotes
Swickard Honda Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CA · 3 verified quotes
Lexus El Cajon
El Cajon, CA · 5 verified quotes
California Motors Direct: Fontana
Fontana, CA · 6 verified quotes
BMW San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 6 verified quotes
Trust Irvine Acura
Irvine, CA · 5 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, CA · 3 verified quotes
Ron Dupratt Ford
Dixon, CA · 11 verified quotes
Glenn E Thomas 100 Years of Excellence
Signal Hill, CA · 9 verified quotes
Capitol Volkswagen
San Jose, CA · 8 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz of Stockton
Stockton, CA · 7 verified quotes
Lake Elsinore Honda
Lake Elsinore, CA · 6 verified quotes
Thomas Acura
Covina, CA · 6 verified quotes
BMW of Chula Vista
Chula Vista, CA · 5 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 November 2026, the average documentation fee at 1880 rated California dealers is $85, based on 11,393 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. 1416 of 2711 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.