Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1688 of 4789 California car dealers from 7,205 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
836 of 1688 rated California dealers earn an A · 383 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 24, 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 1688 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4789 dealers →Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesCapistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesFullerton Ford
Fullerton, CAFullerton, CA
Cadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Hyundai Of Glendale
Glendale, CAGlendale, CA
Audi San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Audi San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
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More Dealers in California
Norm Reeves Lincoln
Cerritos, CA
Norm Reeves Volkswagen Superstore Irvine
Irvine, CA
North Bay Motors
Cotati, CA
North County Auto
Oceanside, CA
North County Cadillac
Escondido, CA
North State Auto Sales
Ukiah, CA
Northstate Auto Brokers
Chico, CA
Northwood Chevrolet
Eureka, CA
Northwood Hyundai
Eureka, CA
Novato Auto Sales
Novato, CA
Novato Chevrolet
Novato, CA
Nsa Cars Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Nueva Italia Motors
Ventura, CA
Nukar Company
Murrieta, CA
Number 1 Motorsports
Sacramento, CA
Nvs Motorsports
Corona, CA
O'gara Coach Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
O'gara Coach Westlake Village
Thousand Oaks, CA
Oakmont Auto Sales
Rancho Cordova, CA
Oc Auto Group
Santa Ana, 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 1161 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,205 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?
Jim Bone Kia, Capistrano Volkswagen, Autonation Chevrolet Valencia lead the California transparency rankings. 836 of 1688 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 $112. 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.