Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2747 of 4997 California car dealers from 10,633 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $86.
1347 of 2747 rated California dealers earn an A · 971 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 19, 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 2747 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 - A100/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA
6 verified quotes$101doc feeNo add-ons - A99/1002026
I-10 Toyota
Indio, CA
41 verified quotes$85doc fee - A99/1002026
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CA
27 verified quotes$85doc fee
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 4997 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
Kaufmann Auto Sales LLC
Scotts Valley, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Keller Used Car
Hanford, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ken Fowler Mazda
Ukiah, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kevin Gallagher
Point Arena, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Khan Enterprises Orange County LLC
Anaheim, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kia Cerrittos
Lakewood, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kingsburg Truck Center
Kingsburg, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Knight Elk Grove Acura
Elk Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kutsch Motorsports
Brea, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Laa Leasing
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Laguna Niguel Auto Group
CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lake Elsinore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Lake Elsinore, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Lake Motor Group Sd
Ramona, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Van Nuys
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
La Quinta Chevrolet
La Quinta, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Larry's Auto Sales Inc.
Fresno, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Legend Auto
Sacramento, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Legend Auto Sales Inc
Lemon Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
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 1839 rated California dealers is $86, based on 10,633 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. 1347 of 2747 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 $86. 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.