Best Car Dealers in California
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 2633 of 5140 California car dealers from 9,561 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $125.
1228 of 2633 rated California dealers earn an A · 924 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 24, 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 2633 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5140 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
Driveline Used Cars Of Murrieta
Murrieta, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dublin Chevrolet Cadillac
Dublin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dublin Infiniti
Dublin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Duncan Motors
San Carlos, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dunlap Imports
Upland, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dynamic Rides
Lake Elsinore, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
E-Carsdirect.Com
Walnut Creek, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Eco Drive
Tustin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Eco Drive Auto Sales & Repair
Torrance, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ed Dena's Auto Center GMC
Dinuba, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Edition Motors
El Monte, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
El Dorado Chevrolet Mazda
Mazda, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Emperor Motor Inc
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Enterprise Car Sales Kearny Mesa
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Envision Motor Sport Llc
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Euro Dream Motors
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Euro Star Auto Sales
Rancho Cordova, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Event Motoring
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ever Cars Co.
San Francisco, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Executive Auto Center
Fresno, 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 1813 rated California dealers is $125, based on 9,561 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. 1228 of 2633 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.