Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1564 of 4794 California car dealers from 6,717 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
747 of 1564 rated California dealers earn an A · 363 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 1564 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4794 dealers →Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesPorsche Ontario
Ontario, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesLancaster Honda
Lancaster, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesSubaru Pacific
Hawthorne, CAHawthorne, CA
Rio Vista Chevrolet
Buellton, CABuellton, CA
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Toyota Of Hollywood
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Audi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Perry Ford Of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CASanta Barbara, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
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
Hanlees Auto Group
Napa, CA
Hanlees Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Of Napa
Napa, CA
Hanlees Davis Chevrolet
Davis, CA
Hanlees Davis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Davis, CA
Hanlees Davis Toyota
Davis, CA
Hanlees Fairfield Nissan
Fairfield, CA
Hanlees Hilltop GMC
Richmond, CA
Hanlees Hilltop Nissan
Richmond, CA
Hanna Automotive Llc
Chino, CA
Hansel BMW Of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, CA
Hansel Ford
Santa Rosa, CA
Hansel Lincoln
Santa Rosa, CA
Hansel Volkswagen Of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, CA
Happy Auto Group
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 1087 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,717 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?
Supreme Auto, Porsche Ontario, Lancaster Honda lead the California transparency rankings. 747 of 1564 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.