Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2749 of 5180 California car dealers from 10,585 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $88.
1364 of 2749 rated California dealers earn an A · 950 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 2749 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 5180 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
Autonation Toyota Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 24 verified quotes
New Century Mazda
Alhambra, CA · 24 verified quotes
Autobahn Motors
Belmont, CA · 17 verified quotes
Nissan of Irvine
Irvine, CA · 17 verified quotes
Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville
Vacaville, CA · 16 verified quotes
Aaron Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Norco, CA · 15 verified quotes
South Bay Mazda
Torrance, CA · 15 verified quotes
Capistrano Mazda
San Juan Capistrano, CA · 14 verified quotes
Beverly Hills BMW
Los Angeles, CA · 13 verified quotes
Aaron Chevrolet
Lake Elsinore, CA · 12 verified quotes
Fullerton Ford
Fullerton, CA · 11 verified quotes
Autonation Subaru Roseville
Roseville, CA · 10 verified quotes
Nissan of Tustin
Tustin, CA · 10 verified quotes
Toyota Place
Garden Grove, CA · 10 verified quotes
Kirby Kia of Ventura
Ventura, CA · 8 verified quotes
Platinum Hyundai of Tracy
Tracy, CA · 8 verified quotes
Volvo Cars San Diego
San Diego, CA · 8 verified quotes
Huntington Beach Ford
Huntington Beach, CA · 7 verified quotes
Riverside Chevrolet
Riverside, CA · 7 verified quotes
Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley, CA · 5 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 1865 rated California dealers is $88, based on 10,585 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. 1364 of 2749 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 $88. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 68% 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.