Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1619 of 4780 California car dealers from 6,908 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $114.
788 of 1619 rated California dealers earn an A · 372 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 1619 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4780 dealers →Volvo Cars San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesMckenna Volkswagen Cerritos
Cerritos, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesMckenna BMW
Norwalk, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Glendora
Glendora, CAGlendora, CA
Galaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CASacramento, CA
Galpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Delta Honda
Pittsburg, CAPittsburg, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
BMW Of Visalia
Visalia, CAVisalia, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Kb Used Auto Sales
Gilroy, CA
Kbl Auto Inc
San Bernardino, CA
Kbm Motorcars
Modesto, CA
Kc's Automotive
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Kearny Mesa Chevrolet
San Diego, CA
Kearny Mesa Ford
San Diego, CA
Kearny Mesa Subaru
San Diego, CA
Keller Lincoln
Hanford, CA
Keller Motors Cadillac
Hanford, CA
Keller Motors GMC
Hanford, CA
Ken Fowler Mazda
Ukiah, CA
Ken Fowler Subaru
Ukiah, CA
Ken Grody Fleet
Buena Park, CA
Kern County Motors
Bakersfield, CA
Keyauto Llc
Rancho Cordova, CA
Keyes Lexus Of Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
Keyes Porsche Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA
Keyes Woodland Hills Honda
Los Angeles, CA
Keylane Auto Brokers Llc
Diamond Bar, CA
Khidmat Motors
Sacramento, 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 1122 rated California dealers is $114, based on 6,908 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 San Francisco, Mckenna Volkswagen Cerritos, Mckenna BMW lead the California transparency rankings. 788 of 1619 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 $114. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 60% 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.