Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1524 of 4788 California car dealers from 6,629 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $117.
741 of 1524 rated California dealers earn an A · 338 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 17, 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 1524 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4788 dealers →H & K Auto
San Jose, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesHoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Tuttle Click Mazda
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Rusnak BMW
Westlake Village, CAWestlake Village, CA
Honda Of El Cajon Superstore
El Cajon, CAEl Cajon, CA
Rotolo Chevrolet
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Eden Motor Group
Los Angeles, CA
Edh Motors
El Dorado Hills, CA
Edition Motors
El Monte, CA
Eee Motors
Long Beach, CA
Effortless Motors
Riverside, CA
Eke Motorsports Inc In El Cerrito
El Cerrito, CA
El Cajon Mitsubishi
El Cajon, CA
El Dorado Honda
Shingle Springs, CA
El Dorado Truck And Auto
El Dorado, CA
El Guero Auto Sale
Hawthorne, CA
El Monte Nissan
El Monte, CA
El Sol Auto Sales
Lamont, CA
El Sol Autos
Salinas, CA
El Vista Auto Sales
Modesto, CA
Electric Auto Group
Stockton, CA
Elegant Auto Network
Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Auto Sales
Hawthorne, CA
Elegant Auto Sales
Rancho Cordova, CA
Elegant Holdings Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Element Auto
Farmersville, 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 1074 rated California dealers is $117, based on 6,629 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?
H & K Auto, Autonation Subaru Carlsbad, Hoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram lead the California transparency rankings. 741 of 1524 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 $117. 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.