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.

$85
Avg Doc Fee
68%
No Add-ons
76/100
Avg Score
11,393
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

Cadillac of Calabasas

Calabasas, CA · 5 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 5 verified quotes →

Oakland Kia

Oakland, CA · 5 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 5 verified quotes →

Bruns Motors

Orange, CA · 4 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 4 verified quotes →

Fontana Nissan

Fontana, CA · 4 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 4 verified quotes →

Lsm Cars

Fullerton, CA · 4 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 4 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield

Fairfield, CA · 4 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 4 verified quotes →

Mercedes-Benz of Oakland

Oakland, CA · 4 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 4 verified quotes →

Stone Chevrolet Tulare

Tulare, CA · 4 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 4 verified quotes →

Sunnyvale Honda

Sunnyvale, CA · 4 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 4 verified quotes →

Akkawi Motors Inc

Manteca, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Back Lot Auto Sales

Upland, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Flex Automotive

San Diego, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Icar Lifestyle

Arcadia, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Kia Irvine

Riverside, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Lax Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Inglewood, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Mullahey Ford

Arroyo Grande, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Peak Motor Cars

Thousand Oaks, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Perris Valley Kia

Perris, CA · 3 verified quotes

$605doc fee$1,893add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Sunroad Auto

San Diego, CA · 3 verified quotes

No add-ons
D
60/100
Below average
See 3 verified quotes →

Garden Grove Kia

Garden Grove, CA · 23 verified quotes

$160add-ons
F
58/100
Buyer beware
See 23 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 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.