Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2744 of 5010 California car dealers from 10,815 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.
1357 of 2744 rated California dealers earn an A · 960 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 23, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
74/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2744 dealers with verified quotes.
CarEdge Certified dealers in California
These dealers guarantee an all-in out-the-door price up front and no surprise add-ons.
- A100/1002026
Serramonte Ford
Colma, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Fremont Ford
Newark, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Frontier Ford
Santa Clara, CA
3 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA
6 verified quotes$101doc feeNo add-ons - A99/1002026
I-10 Toyota
Indio, CA
41 verified quotes$85doc fee
The grade behind the badge is earned, never bought. Certification never changes a dealer's grade or ranking.
See all 23 certified dealers →Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5010 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 22 verified quotes
See the quotesJim Falk Lexus of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Mercedes-Benz of San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 24,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Sprinter Vans of Arcadia
Arcadia, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Zas Motors
San Diego, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Allin Cars
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cadillac of Chico
Chico, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cardinale Auto Group
Marina, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Folsom Lake Nissan
Folsom, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kings Valley Motors LLC
Salinas, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pedder Auto Group
Hemet, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Salinas Honda
Salinas, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
The Argus Co
Santa Cruz, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pacific Bay Auto
Fremont, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Crevier MINI
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Genesis of Escondido
Escondido, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Desert European Motorcars
Rancho Mirage, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Gill Chevrolet Kerman
Kerman, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Hello Subaru
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Maserati Alfa Romeo Fiat of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Parkway
San Jose, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Gilroy Buick GMC
Gilroy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Luis Padilla
Laguna Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
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 October 2026, the average documentation fee at 1841 rated California dealers is $85, based on 10,815 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, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1357 of 2744 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 $85. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 69% 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.