Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1501 of 4769 California car dealers from 6,565 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
734 of 1501 rated California dealers earn an A · 331 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 16, 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 1501 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4769 dealers →Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesDelta Honda
Pittsburg, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAirport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 12 verified quotes
See the quotesHyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Hyundai Of Mountain View
Mountain View, CAMountain View, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
California Auto Direct
Costa Mesa, CA
California Auto Enterprises
San Jose, CA
California Auto Expert
Ontario, CA
California Auto Finance Group
Fontana, CA
California Auto Group
San Diego, CA
California Auto Import
San Diego, CA
California Auto Inc.
Rosemead, CA
California Auto Mall
Los Angeles, CA
California Auto Resources
Bellflower, CA
California Auto Sales
Auburn, CA
California Auto Sales
Orangevale, CA
California Auto Sales
Temecula, CA
California Auto Sales & Finance
Indio, CA
California Auto Sales #2
Livingston, CA
California Cadillac & Collectibles
Los Angeles, CA
California Car Credit Care
Riverside, CA
California Car Hub
Riverside, CA
California Car Online
Dublin, CA
California Cars
Simi Valley, CA
California Diversified Venture
Livermore, 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 1066 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,565 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?
Kearny Mesa Hyundai, Delta Honda, Airport Marina Ford lead the California transparency rankings. 734 of 1501 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.