Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1832 of 4808 California car dealers from 7,820 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
922 of 1832 rated California dealers earn an A · 404 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 25, 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 1832 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4808 dealers →Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesOne Toyota Of Oakland
Oakland, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesHome Motors Chevrolet
Santa Maria, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesBakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CABakersfield, CA
Valley Kia
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Shick Automotive Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Shift & Co Auto
Sacramento, CA
Shoman Auto Group
Davis, CA
Shoreline Auto
San Jose, CA
Shoreline Auto Sales
Morro Bay, CA
Shoreline Automotive
Commerce, CA
Showcase Auto Group
Sacramento, CA
Showcase Luxury Cars Ii
Fresno, CA
Showcase Trucks & Vans
Modesto, CA
Sian Auto Group
Los Angeles, CA
Sidney Auto Sales
Downey, CA
Sierra Auto Center
Fresno, CA
Sierra Auto Group
Monrovia, CA
Sierra Auto Sales Inc
Auburn, CA
Sierra Chevrolet
Monrovia, CA
Sierra Motors
Agua Dulce, CA
Sierra Motors
Jamestown, CA
Sierra Motors
North Hollywood, CA
Sierra Truck Center
Monrovia, CA
Sigma Auto Group
Concord, CA
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 1257 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,820 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?
Lancaster Honda, One Toyota Of Oakland, Home Motors Chevrolet lead the California transparency rankings. 922 of 1832 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: 62% 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.