Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1557 of 4793 California car dealers from 6,696 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
744 of 1557 rated California dealers earn an A · 361 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 21, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
74/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1557 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4793 dealers →Heritage Ford
Modesto, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesDelta Honda
Pittsburg, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesGardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Galaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CASacramento, CA
Bakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CABakersfield, CA
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of San Francisco
South San Francisco, CASouth San Francisco, CA
Penske Buick GMC
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Gt Auto Lounge
Rancho Cordova, CA
Gt Auto Sales Llc
Davis, CA
Gt Autos Direct
Stanton, CA
Gt Car Company Llc
San Diego, CA
Gtz Motorz
Indio, CA
Guadajal Enterprise Inc
Ontario, CA
Guardians Auto
Lemon Grove, CA
Gus Auto Sales & Service
Gardena, CA
Guy Strohmeiers Auto Center
Lakeport, CA
H & H Motors
Orange, CA
H & K Auto Sales & Leasing
San Jose, CA
H&a Auto Sales
Ontario, CA
H&h Auto Dealer
Fremont, CA
H&m European Auto
Manteca, CA
H&s Motor Cars
Baldwin Park, CA
Hacienda Motors Used Car Sales Inc
Fresno, CA
Haddad Kia
Bakersfield, CA
Haidlen Ford Inc.
Oakdale, CA
Hallelujah Cars
Los Angeles, CA
Hancock Automotive
San Diego, 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 1082 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,696 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?
Heritage Ford, Delta Honda, Galpin Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 744 of 1557 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 $116. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 59% 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.