Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1835 of 4809 California car dealers from 7,840 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
923 of 1835 rated California dealers earn an A · 406 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 1835 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4809 dealers →Mercedes-Benz Of Ontario
Ontario, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesWalnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 26 verified quotes
See the quotesKeyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesVolvo Cars San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Volvo Cars Chico
Chico, CAChico, CA
Roseville Chevrolet
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Roseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Rotolo Chevrolet
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
West Coast Auto Sales
Montclair, CAMontclair, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Star Auto Sales
Modesto, CA
Star Auto Sales Ceres
Ceres, CA
Star Auto Sd Inc
San Diego, CA
Star City Motors
San Ramon, CA
Star One Imports
Santa Clara, CA
Star One Motors
Hayward, CA
Star View
Los Angeles, CA
Starfire Auto Inc
Santa Clarita, CA
Stark Auto Sales
Modesto, CA
Starz Auto
Lawndale, CA
Statewide Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
Steadfast Auto Group Llc
Upland, CA
Steel Chariot
San Jose, CA
Sterling Imports
Santa Ana, CA
Stevens Creek Lincoln
San Jose, CA
Stevens Creek Volkswagen
San Jose, CA
Stewart Chevrolet
Colma, CA
STG Bellflower
Bellflower, CA
Strada Nera
San Diego, CA
Strata Autohaus
Orange, 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 1258 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,840 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?
Mercedes-Benz Of Ontario, Walnut Creek Ford, Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills lead the California transparency rankings. 923 of 1835 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.