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 →Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesMossy Nissan National City
National City, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesDublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
Cadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CAColma, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Puente Hills Subaru
City Of Industry, CACity Of Industry, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Infiniti Of Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
Infiniti Of Van Nuys
Los Angeles, CA
Inland Auto Sales
Upland, CA
Inland Empire Auto Sale
Barstow, CA
Inland Valley Auto
Upland, CA
Integrity Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Integrity Cars
Campbell, CA
Integrity Hrim Corp
Atascadero, CA
Integrity Motors
Atascadero, CA
Integrity Motors Auto Sales Llc
San Mateo, CA
Interautos Ca Inc.
Ontario, CA
International Auto Sales And Mobility
Indio, CA
International Vehicle Wholesalers
Rialto, CA
Intrust Auto
Los Angeles, CA
Invictus Auto Sales Llc
Colton, CA
Istanbul Motors
Hayward, CA
Ivanna Auto
Los Angeles, CA
J & M Auto Land
Sacramento, CA
J And R Motors
Riverside, CA
J And S Quality Motors
Modesto, 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?
Lancaster Honda, Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Mossy Nissan National City 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.