Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1623 of 4781 California car dealers from 6,941 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $114.
789 of 1623 rated California dealers earn an A · 371 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 23, 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 1623 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4781 dealers →Galaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CA
$44 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesFullerton Ford
Fullerton, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesMossy Nissan National City
National City, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesDublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Valley Kia
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Volkswagen Of Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Northridge Toyota
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
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More Dealers in California
Luxury Cars Los Gatos
Los Gatos, CA
Luxury Motorcars
Sacramento, CA
Luxury Motors
Costa Mesa, CA
Luxury Motors Of Bay Area
Dublin, CA
Lx Manna Inc
Monterey Park, CA
Lxr Car
San Diego, CA
M & M Auto Warehouse
San Diego, CA
M Auto
Orange, CA
M Motors Llc
Irvine, CA
M Motorsport
Long Beach, CA
M Sport Motors
Walnut Creek, CA
M&a Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
M&s Auto
Sacramento, CA
Maadarani Motors
Lancaster, CA
Mack Motors Llc
Fresno, CA
Mad Motors
South Gate, CA
Madera Car Connection
Madera, CA
Madera Chevrolet
Madera, CA
Madrid Auto Group Llc
Montebello, CA
Magic Cadillac
Santa Clarita, 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 1128 rated California dealers is $114, based on 6,941 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?
Galaxy Auto Deals Inc, Fullerton Ford, Mossy Nissan National City lead the California transparency rankings. 789 of 1623 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: 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.