Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2710 of 5171 California car dealers from 10,146 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $110.
1309 of 2710 rated California dealers earn an A · 963 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 6, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
73/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2710 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$25 below the California average
- A100/1002026
Fremont Ford
Newark, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons$25 below the California average
- A100/1002026
Frontier Ford
Santa Clara, CA
3 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons$25 below the California average
- A100/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA
5 verified quotes$116doc feeNo add-ons - A99/1002026
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CA
26 verified quotes$85doc fee$25 below the California average
- A98/1002026
Tustin Kia
Tustin, CA
44 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons$25 below the California average
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 20 certified dealers →Transparency Leaderboard
View all 5171 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$25 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
$25 below the California average
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
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Mercedes-Benz of San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 23,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Moss Bros Toyota
Moreno Valley, CA · 3 verified quotes
Nissan of Fremont
Fremont, CA · 3 verified quotes
North Bay Ford
Santa Cruz, CA · 3 verified quotes
Platinum Motors
San Bruno, CA · 3 verified quotes
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CA · 3 verified quotes
Puente Hills Mitsubishi
City of Industry, CA · 3 verified quotes
Puente Hills Volkswagen
City Of Industry, CA · 3 verified quotes
Roseville Automaxx
Roseville, CA · 3 verified quotes
Royal Auto Group of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · 3 verified quotes
Sangera Subaru
Bakersfield, CA · 3 verified quotes
Serramonte Kia
Colma, CA · 3 verified quotes
Silveira Chevrolet
Sonoma, CA · 3 verified quotes
Silveira Healdsburg
Healdsburg, CA · 3 verified quotes
Simpson Chevrolet Irvine
Irvine, CA · 3 verified quotes
Stewart
Colma, CA · 3 verified quotes
Super Sac Auto
Carmichael, CA · 3 verified quotes
Volkswagen of Clovis
Clovis, CA · 3 verified quotes
Toyota of Orange
Orange, CA · 30 verified quotes
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CA · 26 verified quotes
Sedano Ford
La Mesa, CA · 26 verified quotes
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 1842 rated California dealers is $110, based on 10,146 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. 1309 of 2710 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 $110. 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.