Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1749 of 4803 California car dealers from 7,452 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
877 of 1749 rated California dealers earn an A · 392 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 24, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1749 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4803 dealers →New Century BMW
Alhambra, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Maria
Santa Maria, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesSupreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Sedano Ford Commercial
La Mesa, CALa Mesa, CA
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Prestige Industrial Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Prestige Motors
Sacramento, CA
Prestige Motors Imports
El Cajon, CA
Prestige Motorsport
Rancho Cordova, CA
Prestige Wholesale
Sacramento, CA
Price Family Ineos Grenadier
San Rafael, CA
Pride Motors Llc Stevens Creek
San Jose, CA
Prieto Automotive
Fresno, CA
Primacy Motors
Fremont, CA
Prime Auto Group
Pomona, CA
Prime Auto La
Hawthorne, CA
Prime Auto Solution
Escondido, CA
Prime Auto Source
Sacramento, CA
Prime Autos
Lafayette, CA
Prime Car Llc
Huntington Beach, CA
Prime Line Group Inc
Glendale, CA
Prime Motion Llc
Sacramento, CA
Prime Motors Direct
Whittier, CA
Prime Star Motors Inc
San Jose, CA
Primetime Auto Sales
Riverside, 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 1202 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,452 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?
New Century BMW, Santa Maria, Santa Monica Audi lead the California transparency rankings. 877 of 1749 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: 61% 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.