Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1373 of 4771 California car dealers from 6,147 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $101.
670 of 1373 rated California dealers earn an A · 304 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
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1373 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4771 dealers →Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesSimi Valley
Simi Valley, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesMazda Of Escondido
Escondido, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesHoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CAWoodland, CA
BMW Of Murrieta
Murrieta, CAMurrieta, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
Carfam
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Subaru Pacific
Hawthorne, CAHawthorne, CA
South Bay Ford
Hawthorne, CAHawthorne, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Winn Volkswagen
Newark, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Temecula Nissan
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Tracy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Tracy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Penske Chevrolet Of Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Genesis Of Victorville
Victorville, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Shottenkirk Desert Lexus
Cathedral City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
South Coast Mitsubishi
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Madera Auto Center
Chowchilla, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Livermore Maserati
Livermore, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac
Temecula, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kia Of Paso Robles
Paso Robles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
M&S Auto
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Precious Metals
San Diego, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Premier Chevrolet Of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Ken Grody Ford #1 San Diego Ford Dealer
Carlsbad, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Pedder Nissan
Hemet, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cost Less Auto Inc.
Rocklin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Tom Bell Chevrolet
Redlands, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vallejo Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Vallejo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
International Auto Sales And Mobility
Indio, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited 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 $101, based on 6,147 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?
Kia Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Mazda Of Escondido lead the California transparency rankings. 670 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 $101. 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.