Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1529 of 4789 California car dealers from 6,643 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $117.
741 of 1529 rated California dealers earn an A · 339 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 18, 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 1529 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4789 dealers →Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesFord Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 44 verified quotes
See the quotesAudi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CA
$32 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesAudi San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Audi San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Fastlane Performance
Santa Rosa, CA
Fat City Auto Sales
Stockton, CA
Fatih Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Favorite Auto Inc
San Diego, CA
Feel Good Motors
Hawthorne, CA
Felix Auto World
Fillmore, CA
Fernandez Auto Sales
Freedom, CA
Ferrante & Son Sales & Leasing
San Jose, CA
Ferrari Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
Ferrari Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Ferrari Of Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
Ferrari of Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, CA
Ferrari Of San Diego
San Diego, CA
Ferrari Of San Francisco
Mill Valley, CA
Ferrari South Bay
Torrance, CA
Ferrari Westlake
Thousand Oaks, CA
Fi Auto Sales
Santa Clarita, CA
Fiesta Ford
Indio, CA
Fiesta Kia
Indio, CA
Fiesta Motors
Los Angeles, 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 1078 rated California dealers is $117, based on 6,643 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?
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Ford Fairfield, Audi Napa Valley lead the California transparency rankings. 741 of 1529 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.