Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1500 of 4768 California car dealers from 6,572 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
734 of 1500 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 1500 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4768 dealers →Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesHoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesH & K Auto
San Jose, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesGalaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CASacramento, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of San Francisco
South San Francisco, CASouth San Francisco, CA
Victorville Mitsubishi
Victorville, CAVictorville, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Rusnak BMW
Westlake Village, CAWestlake Village, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Super Sac Auto
Carmichael, CACarmichael, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Cardinaleway Volkswagen Corona
Corona, CA
Carex Inc
Costa Mesa, CA
Carfactory Inc -
San Diego, CA
Carfinity Auto Group
Campbell, CA
Carfluent
Los Angeles, CA
CarForMe
Glendale, CA
Carfornia
San Jose, CA
Carget Automotive
Stanton, CA
Carget Cars Inc
Brea, CA
Cargro
Los Angeles, CA
Carin Auto
Santa Ana, CA
Carizma Auto Sales Llc
Roseville, CA
Carking
Lamont, CA
Carland Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Carless
Orange, CA
Carlink
Ceres, CA
Carlux Lax
Inglewood, CA
Carmania
Los Angeles, CA
Carmax Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
Carmax Buena Park
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 1065 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,572 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?
Bob Smith BMW, Hoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, H & K Auto lead the California transparency rankings. 734 of 1500 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.