Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1502 of 4779 California car dealers from 6,584 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
733 of 1502 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 1502 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4779 dealers →Galpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 22 verified quotes
See the quotesKia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesCadillac Marin
San Rafael, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Capistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CASan Juan Capistrano, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Putnam Kia
Burlingame, CABurlingame, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Watsonville Cadillac GMC
Watsonville, CAWatsonville, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
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
Carr Masters Automotive
Santa Ana, CA
Carriage Motors Car & Truck
Santa Rosa, CA
Carrillo's Auto Center
Fresno, CA
Cars 2 Go
Fresno, CA
Cars 2000 Service Center
Sacramento, CA
Cars 4 Less
Covina, CA
Cars 4 Less
Merced, CA
Cars And Cars Llc
Rialto, CA
Cars Avenue Inc
Sacramento, CA
Cars By Evan Jones, Llc
Fresno, CA
Cars By Thermal
Thermal, CA
Cars Dawydiak
Corte Madera, CA
Cars For Less
San Diego, CA
Cars R Us
Irvine, 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 6,584 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?
Galpin Mazda, Kia Of Alhambra, Cadillac Marin lead the California transparency rankings. 733 of 1502 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.