Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1501 of 4768 California car dealers from 6,572 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
732 of 1501 rated California dealers earn an A · 332 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 4768 dealers →Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesGalaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CASacramento, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Carmax Sacramento / Roseville
Roseville, CA
Carmax Sacramento South
Sacramento, CA
Carmax San Gabriel Valley / Duarte
Duarte, CA
Carmax Serramonte
Colma, CA
Carmax Stockton
Stockton, CA
Carmax Torrance
Torrance, CA
Carmax Victorville
Victorville, CA
Carmax Visalia
Visalia, CA
Carmenity Inc
East Los Angeles, CA
Carmex Auto Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Carmine Financial
San Diego, CA
Carmo Auto Group Llc
Newport Beach, CA
Carnomic
Bakersfield, CA
Carnova Auto Dealer
Bellflower, CA
Carnova Inc.
San Diego, CA
Carosa Used Cars
Carson, CA
Carosell Motors Inc.
Vallejo, CA
Carox Llc
Tustin, CA
Carpapapa Auto Group Llc
Santa Ana, CA
Carpoint Motors
San Diego, 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?
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia, Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad, Autonation Ford Torrance lead the California transparency rankings. 732 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.