Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1510 of 4779 California car dealers from 6,602 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
734 of 1510 rated California dealers earn an A · 335 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 1510 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4779 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CACalabasas, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Carvibe
San Diego, CA
Carworld
Hawthorne, CA
Carxplus Llc
Taft, CA
Caryou Llc
Huntington Beach, CA
Carz 88 Auto
West Covina, CA
Carz Hub Llc
Fullerton, CA
Carz Land
San Diego, CA
Carz Llc
San Diego, CA
Carz R Us
Lynwood, CA
Carzaar Auto Sale
Temecula, CA
Carzilla
Gilroy, CA
Carzoid
Santa Barbara, CA
Carzona
Roseville, CA
Carzone
Riverside, CA
Carzone Automall
South Gate, CA
Carzone Motors
Martinez, CA
Casa De Cadillac
Los Angeles, CA
Casey& 39 S Cars
Hermosa Beach, CA
Castro Motors
Oxnard, CA
Catalano Motors
Dana Point, 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 1069 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,602 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?
Ford Fairfield, Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad, Autonation Subaru Carlsbad lead the California transparency rankings. 734 of 1510 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.