Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1681 of 4789 California car dealers from 7,181 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $113.
827 of 1681 rated California dealers earn an A · 386 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 1681 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4789 dealers →H & K Auto
San Jose, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesEl Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$28 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Autonation Toyota Hayward
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Millennium Cars
San Diego, CA
Millennium Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Milpas Motors
Santa Barbara, CA
Milpas Motors Auto Gallery
Ventura, CA
MINI Of Downtown Los Angeles Service Center
Los Angeles, CA
MINI Of Escondido
Escondido, CA
MINI Of Monrovia
Monrovia, CA
MINI Of Ontario
Ontario, CA
MINI Of San Diego
San Diego, CA
MINI of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
MINI Of Universal City
Los Angeles, CA
Mira Loma Auto Center
Fontana, CA
Mirage Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Miramar Sport Cars
San Diego, CA
Mission Bay Motors
San Diego, CA
Mission Peak Motors Inc
Fremont, CA
Mission Viejo Acura
Mission Viejo, CA
Mj Auto Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
Mk Motors
Rancho Cordova, CA
Mkd Auto Sales
Santa Fe Springs, 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 1152 rated California dealers is $113, based on 7,181 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?
H & K Auto, El Cerrito Honda, Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad lead the California transparency rankings. 827 of 1681 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 $113. 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.