Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1373 of 4771 California car dealers from 6,145 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $118.
669 of 1373 rated California dealers earn an A · 305 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 6, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
76/100 average transparency score
53rd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1373 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4771 dealers →BMW Of Murrieta
Murrieta, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesMercedes-Benz Of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Cruz Subaru
Capitola, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Cruz Toyota
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Santa Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
Bob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CACalabasas, CA
Winn Volkswagen Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
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More Dealers in California
Pacific Volkswagen
Hawthorne, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Fleets 101 Inc
Norwalk, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Hyundai San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Marin Luxury Cars
Corte Madera, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Orange Coast Infiniti
Westminster, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Camino Real Chevrolet
Monterey Park, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kienle Motor Sports, Llc (Porsche Ontario)
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Roseville Kia
Roseville, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Niello Volvo Cars Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
J Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat
Anaheim, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Plug-In Auto
West Covina, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Antelope Valley Chevrolet
Lancaster, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Hgreg Lux
Costa Mesa, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Lexus Of Woodland Hills
Los Angeles, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
East County Preowned
El Cajon, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Gilroy Buick GMC
Gilroy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dch Honda Of Mission Valley
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Karwow
Corona, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Dan Reed Autos
Escondido, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pedder Chrysler Dodge Ram + Jeep Of Poway
Poway, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
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 1373 rated California dealers is $118, based on 6,145 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?
BMW Of Murrieta, Mercedes-Benz Of Beverly Hills, Santa Cruz Subaru lead the California transparency rankings. 669 of 1373 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 $118. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 56% 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.