Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1563 of 4794 California car dealers from 6,728 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
750 of 1563 rated California dealers earn an A · 360 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 22, 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 1563 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4794 dealers →Volvo Cars Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesGalaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CA
$46 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesValley Kia
Fontana, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAudi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Galpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of San Francisco
South San Francisco, CASouth San Francisco, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Hw Autohaus
Orange, CA
Hwy 145 Auto Plaza Inc
Madera, CA
Hybrid 4 U Llc
Anaheim, CA
Hyundai Of Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Hyundai Of La Quinta
La Quinta, CA
Hyundai Of Tracy
Tracy, CA
I Luxmotors
Los Angeles, CA
I-10 Automall
Indio, CA
I-10 Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Indio, CA
I-deal Cars
Roseville, CA
I-deal Trucks
Sacramento, CA
I-west Auto Gallery
Los Angeles, CA
Ibay Motors
San Jose, CA
Icar Automotive Group Inc
Chula Vista, CA
Icar Lifestyle
Arcadia, CA
Icar Plus
Glendale, CA
Icars
Burbank, CA
Icarsntrucks
Fullerton, CA
Iconic Coach
San Diego, CA
Iconic Motors
Riverside, 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 1090 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,728 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?
Volvo Cars Walnut Creek, Galaxy Auto Deals Inc, Valley Kia lead the California transparency rankings. 750 of 1563 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.