Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1576 of 4780 California car dealers from 6,771 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $115.
762 of 1576 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 1576 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4780 dealers →Rio Vista Chevrolet
Buellton, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesH & K Auto
San Jose, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesSubaru Pacific
Hawthorne, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesHoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CAWoodland, CA
Serramonte Kia
Colma, CAColma, CA
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Mckenna Volkswagen Cerritos
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
Mckenna BMW
Norwalk, CANorwalk, CA
Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
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More Dealers in California
Jeepster Auto Sales
Costa Mesa, CA
Jemax Auto
El Monte, CA
Jenin Carz
San Leandro, CA
Jenin Motors
San Leandro, CA
Jenny's Auto
East Los Angeles, CA
Jericho Auto Sales Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Jerry Seiner Subaru
Santa Clarita, CA
Jesse's Auto Mall
Los Angeles, CA
Jessup Auto Plaza Buick GMC
Cathedral City, CA
Jg Direct Auto Sales
Livermore, CA
Jim Bone Kia Of Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, CA
Jim Burke Lincoln
Bakersfield, CA
Jim Charlon Ford
Ridgecrest, CA
Jim Enterprises
Fresno, CA
Jim's Auto Sales Harbor City
Los Angeles, CA
Jim's Auto Sales Lomita
Lomita, CA
Jimmy Vasser Chevrolet
Napa, CA
Jimmys Auto Wholesale
Brentwood, CA
Jjd Cars & Trucks Llc
Bell, CA
Jlh Group, Llc
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 1099 rated California dealers is $115, based on 6,771 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?
Rio Vista Chevrolet, H & K Auto, Subaru Pacific lead the California transparency rankings. 762 of 1576 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 $115. 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.