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
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More Dealers in California
Ideal Autosales
El Cajon, CA
Ideal Car Sales
Los Banos, CA
Ideal Motor Group
San Gabriel, CA
Idrive Cars Inc
Santa Clara, CA
Idrive Victorville
Victorville, CA
Ie Auto Sales
Riverside, CA
Ignite Auto Hub
Laguna Hills, CA
Ilovecarsusa
Danville, CA
Ilusso
Costa Mesa, CA
Imperial Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Imperial, CA
Imperial Valley Gm
El Centro, CA
Imperial Valley Honda
El Centro, CA
Import Connection
Campbell, CA
Import West Motorcars
Riverside, CA
Industry Motors
Sacramento, CA
Infiniti Of Downtown La
Los Angeles, CA
Infiniti Of Oceanside
Oceanside, CA
Infiniti Of Ontario
Ontario, CA
Infiniti Of Serramonte
Colma, CA
INFINITI of the Desert
Cathedral City, 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.