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
Elev8 Auto Collection
Fair Oaks, CA
Eli's Motorcars
San Diego, CA
Elias Motors
Hayward, CA
Elias Motors Inc
Hayward, CA
Elite Auto Group
Downey, CA
Elite Auto Imports
Rocklin, CA
Elite Auto Wholesale
Visalia, CA
Elite Motors
Hayward, CA
Elite Motors Oc
Aliso Viejo, CA
Eliteessence Motors Llc
Spring Valley, CA
Elk Grove Acura
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Auto Mall
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Cars
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Ford
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Kia
Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Volkswagen
Elk Grove, CA
Ellio's German Auto
Sacramento, CA
Elya Carz Inc
Hayward, CA
Em Auto
Corona, CA
Emanuel Motors Llc
Palmdale, 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.