Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1922 of 4821 California car dealers from 8,181 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $108.
1000 of 1922 rated California dealers earn an A · 437 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 30, 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 1922 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4821 dealers →Volkswagen Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesVolvo Cars San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesVolkswagen Of Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Volvo Cars Chico
Chico, CAChico, CA
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Volvo Cars Cerritos
Cerritos, CACerritos, CA
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CAEl Cerrito, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Manly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CA · 4 verified quotes
Jim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CA · 5 verified quotes
Mckenna BMW
Norwalk, CA · 6 verified quotes
Mckenna Volkswagen Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 5 verified quotes
Sedano Ford Commercial
La Mesa, CA · 3 verified quotes
Mossy Nissan National City
National City, CA · 3 verified quotes
Porsche Stevens Creek
Santa Clara, CA · 3 verified quotes
Shingle Springs Honda
Shingle Springs, CA · 4 verified quotes
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA · 12 verified quotes
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CA · 15 verified quotes
Tustin Cadillac
Tustin, CA · 3 verified quotes
North Bay Ford
Santa Cruz, CA · 5 verified quotes
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CA · 9 verified quotes
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA · 3 verified quotes
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CA · 4 verified quotes
Simi Valley
Simi Valley, CA · 4 verified quotes
Simpson Buick GMC
Buena Park, CA · 5 verified quotes
Simpson Chevrolet Of Irvine
Irvine, CA · 9 verified quotes
Tuttle Click
Irvine, CA · 7 verified quotes
Tuttle-Click Ford
Irvine, CA · 3 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 July 2026, the average documentation fee at 1291 rated California dealers is $108, based on 8,181 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?
Volkswagen Thousand Oaks, Volvo Cars San Francisco, Volkswagen Of Fairfield lead the California transparency rankings. 1000 of 1922 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 $108. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 63% 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.