Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1864 of 4807 California car dealers from 7,926 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $112.
940 of 1864 rated California dealers earn an A · 416 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 27, 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 1864 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4807 dealers →Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesRancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesManly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CA
$27 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesMossy Nissan National City
National City, CANational City, CA
Dublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Santa Cruz Toyota
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Santa Cruz Subaru
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Sangera Subaru
Bakersfield, CABakersfield, CA
Audi San Francisco
San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Wheels West
Susanville, CA
Wheely Fine Cars
Los Angeles, CA
Wholesale Auto Plaza Inc.
San Jose, CA
Wholesale Motors
El Cerrito, CA
Why Buy New Autos
Rocklin, CA
Wice Motors Corp
West Sacramento, CA
Wii Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA
Wilcoxen Auto Sales
Marysville, CA
Wild Rose Motors - Policefleetonline.com
Anaheim, CA
Wild Rose Motors - Policeinterceptors.info
Anaheim, CA
Will Tiesiera Ford
Tulare, CA
Win Motors Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
Winn Kia Of Fremont
Newark, CA
Winn Volkswagen Of Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA
Winner Chevrolet, Inc.
Colfax, CA
Winnetka Auto Mall
Los Angeles, CA
Wishlist Autos Inc
Stockton, CA
Wittmeier Honda
Chico, CA
Woodland Motors GMC
Woodland, CA
World Auto Sales
San Diego, 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 1268 rated California dealers is $112, based on 7,926 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?
Kearny Mesa Hyundai, Rancho Santa Margarita Honda, Manly Automotive Group lead the California transparency rankings. 940 of 1864 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.