Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2759 of 5028 California car dealers from 11,035 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $85.
1379 of 2759 rated California dealers earn an A · 957 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 28, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2759 dealers with verified quotes.
CarEdge Certified dealers in California
These dealers guarantee an all-in out-the-door price up front and no surprise add-ons.
- A100/1002026
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Serramonte Ford
Colma, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Fremont Ford
Newark, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Frontier Ford
Santa Clara, CA
3 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Yucca Valley, CA
6 verified quotes$101doc feeNo add-ons - A99/1002026
I-10 Toyota
Indio, CA
42 verified quotes$85doc fee
The grade behind the badge is earned, never bought. Certification never changes a dealer's grade or ranking.
See all 25 certified dealers →Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5028 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 22 verified quotes
See the quotesJim Falk Lexus of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Mercedes-Benz of San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 24,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Victorville Mazda
Victorville, CA
Victory Auto Sales
Santa Maria, CA
Victory Auto Sales
Stockton, CA
Victory Autosport
Orangevale, CA
Victory Chevrolet
Petaluma, CA
Villa Ford of Orange
Orange, CA
Villarreal Motors
San Bruno, CA
Vindemklasauto, LLC
Citrus Heights, CA
Vip Auto Sales, Inc.
Modesto, CA
Vip Autos San Diego
San Diego, CA
Vip Cars La
Glendale, CA
Vip Motors Sports Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Visalia Honda
Visalia, CA
Vista Auto Sales
Vista, CA
Vista Motors
Ontario, CA
Viva! Motors LLC
Chula Vista, CA
Vixa Motors
Sacramento, CA
Volkswagen Downtown La
Los Angeles, CA
Volkswagen San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, 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 October 2026, the average documentation fee at 1858 rated California dealers is $85, based on 11,035 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?
Ford Fairfield, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1379 of 2759 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 $85. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 69% 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.