Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1491 of 4770 California car dealers from 6,549 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
727 of 1491 rated California dealers earn an A · 327 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 15, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1491 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4770 dealers →West Coast Auto Sales
Montclair, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesMercedes-Benz Of Long Beach
Signal Hill, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesRio Vista Chevrolet
Buellton, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesGalaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CASacramento, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
Audi San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Audi San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
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More Dealers in California
Bravo Motors
Roseville, CA
Bravo Nissan Of Duarte
Duarte, CA
Bright Auto Sales Corporation
Sacramento, CA
Bright Valley Auto Sales
Salida, CA
Brightline Auto Sales
Norco, CA
Brightstar Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
British Sports Cars
San Luis Obispo, CA
Brmg Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Broadway Auto Group
Chula Vista, CA
Brokers R Us Auto Sales Llc
Whittier, CA
Brooks Auto Center
Ontario, CA
Brother Car Sales
Santa Ana, CA
Brother's Motors Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Browning Automotive Group
Cerritos, CA
Bruns Motors
Orange, CA
Bryans Auto Sales
Roseville, CA
Bucketbuddy Auto Llc
Sacramento, CA
Budget Auto Sales
Corona, CA
Budget Car Sales And Rental Of Norwalk
Norwalk, CA
Buena Park Nissan
Buena Park, CA
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 July 2026, the average documentation fee at 1063 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,549 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?
West Coast Auto Sales, Mercedes-Benz Of Long Beach, Rio Vista Chevrolet lead the California transparency rankings. 727 of 1491 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 $119. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 58% 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.