Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2756 of 5185 California car dealers from 10,569 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $90.
1369 of 2756 rated California dealers earn an A · 946 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 17, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
74/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2756 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
Fremont Ford
Newark, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Frontier Ford
Santa Clara, CA
3 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A99/1002026
I-10 Toyota
Indio, CA
40 verified quotes$85doc fee - A99/1002026
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CA
27 verified quotes$85doc fee - A99/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA
5 verified quotes$116doc feeNo add-ons
Verified every month by CarEdge. The grade behind the badge is earned, never bought. Certification never changes a dealer's grade or ranking.
See all 23 certified dealers →Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5185 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
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, 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
Temecula Valley Buick GMC
Temecula, CA · 5 verified quotes
Acura of Fremont
Fremont, CA · 4 verified quotes
Audi Van Nuys
Los Angeles, CA · 4 verified quotes
Chico Mazda
Chico, CA · 4 verified quotes
Ford of Oakland
Oakland, CA · 4 verified quotes
Hopkins Acura of Fairfield
Fairfield, CA · 4 verified quotes
Mazda Roseville
Roseville, CA · 4 verified quotes
MINI of Monrovia
Monrovia, CA · 4 verified quotes
Sanborn Chevrolet
Lodi, CA · 4 verified quotes
Subaru of Hayward
Hayward, CA · 4 verified quotes
Champion Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat
Downey, CA · 3 verified quotes
East County Pre-Owned Superstore
El Cajon, CA · 3 verified quotes
Elk Grove Chevrolet
Elk Grove, CA · 3 verified quotes
Fresno Buick GMC
Fresno, CA · 3 verified quotes
Metro Honda
Montclair, CA · 3 verified quotes
MINI of Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · 3 verified quotes
Salinas Valley Ford
Salinas, CA · 3 verified quotes
Visalia Toyota
Visalia, CA · 3 verified quotes
Concord Mazda
Concord, CA · 25 verified quotes
New Century Mazda
Alhambra, CA · 24 verified quotes
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 1878 rated California dealers is $90, based on 10,569 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. 1369 of 2756 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 $90. 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.