Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2692 of 5160 California car dealers from 10,012 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $109.
1292 of 2692 rated California dealers earn an A · 962 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 4, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
73/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2692 dealers with verified quotes.
CarEdge Certified dealers in California
These dealers guarantee an all-in out-the-door price up front and no surprise add-ons.
- A100/1002026
Fremont Ford
Newark, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Frontier Ford
Santa Clara, CA
3 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA
5 verified quotes$116doc feeNo add-ons - A99/1002026
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CA
26 verified quotes$85doc fee - A98/1002026
Tustin Kia
Tustin, CA
43 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons
Verified every month by CarEdge. The grade behind the badge is earned, never bought. Certification never changes a dealer's grade or ranking.
See all 18 certified dealers →Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5160 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 22 verified quotes
See the quotesJim Falk Lexus of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Hayward Honda
Hayward, CAHayward, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Mercedes-Benz of San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Rotolo Chevrolet Inc
Fontana, CA · 7 verified quotes
Santa Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CA · 7 verified quotes
Subaru Pacific
Hawthorne, CA · 7 verified quotes
Tuttle Click
Irvine, CA · 7 verified quotes
Autonation Acura South Bay
Torrance, CA · 6 verified quotes
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA · 6 verified quotes
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 6 verified quotes
Fremont Ford
Newark, CA · 6 verified quotes
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 6 verified quotes
Infiniti of Kearny Mesa
San Diego, CA · 6 verified quotes
Penske Buick GMC
Cerritos, CA · 6 verified quotes
Rio Vista Chevrolet
Buellton, CA · 6 verified quotes
South Bay Ford
Hawthorne, CA · 6 verified quotes
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 6 verified quotes
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CA · 5 verified quotes
Felix Chevrolet
Los Angeles, CA · 5 verified quotes
Giant Chevrolet
Visalia, CA · 5 verified quotes
Goudy Honda
Alhambra, CA · 5 verified quotes
Hopkins Acura
Redwood City, CA · 5 verified quotes
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA · 5 verified quotes
Dealers by City in California
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 October 2026, the average documentation fee at 1825 rated California dealers is $109, based on 10,012 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?
Ford Fairfield, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1292 of 2692 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 $109. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 68% 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.