Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1623 of 4781 California car dealers from 6,946 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $115.
790 of 1623 rated California dealers earn an A · 370 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 →Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesAudi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesJaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CA
$30 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesMossy Nissan National City
National City, CANational City, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Audi Oakland
Oakland, CAOakland, CA
Mazda Of Vacaville
Vacaville, CAVacaville, CA
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Mckenna Volkswagen Cerritos
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Magna Motors
Sacramento, CA
Magnes Auto Sales
Oceanside, CA
Main Event Auto
Los Angeles, CA
Main Street Auto
Vallejo, CA
Main Street Motors Fallbrook Ca
Fallbrook, CA
Maita Automotive Group
Sacramento, CA
Majano Enterprise Llc
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Major Motor Cars
Santa Monica, CA
Mangione Motors Orange County
Costa Mesa, CA
Manly Buy Center
Santa Rosa, CA
Manly Honda
Santa Rosa, CA
Manteca Auto Land
Manteca, CA
Manuel's Motorsports Llc
Patterson, CA
Manzanita Car Sales
Gridley, CA
Marathon Auto Group
Newport Beach, CA
Marcelos Auto Mart
Tulare, CA
Marin Car Club
San Rafael, CA
Marin Honda
San Rafael, CA
Marina Auto Upholstery
Los Angeles, CA
Marina Del Rey Toyota
Marina del Rey, 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 1129 rated California dealers is $115, based on 6,946 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?
Kia Of Alhambra, Audi Napa Valley, Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey lead the California transparency rankings. 790 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 $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.