Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1836 of 4809 California car dealers from 7,849 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
924 of 1836 rated California dealers earn an A · 406 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 26, 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 1836 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4809 dealers →Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 26 verified quotes
See the quotesKia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 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 quotesLancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Sangera Subaru
Bakersfield, CABakersfield, CA
Volvo Cars San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
BMW Fresno
Fresno, CAFresno, CA
Audi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
West Coast Auto Sales
Montclair, CAMontclair, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Thompsons Auto Group
Placerville, CA
Thompsons GMC
Placerville, CA
Three Amigos Auto Center
Modesto, CA
Three-way Cadillac
Bakersfield, CA
Three-way Chevrolet
Bakersfield, CA
Thrifty Car Sales Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Thunderbolt Motors Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Thurston Auto Plaza
Ukiah, CA
Thurston Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Ukiah, CA
Thurston Honda
Ukiah, CA
Thurston Toyota
Ukiah, CA
Tiger Auto Sales
Fresno, CA
Tim Moran Auto Group
Hemet, CA
Tim Moran Chevrolet
Hemet, CA
Timmons Volkswagen Of Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
Timo's Auto Sales
Santa Maria, CA
Tio's Auto Sales
Modesto, CA
Tipton Auto Wholesale
Orange, CA
Tk Motors
Orange, CA
Tm Motors
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 1257 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,849 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?
Walnut Creek Ford, Kia Santa Monica, Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills lead the California transparency rankings. 924 of 1836 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.