Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1387 of 4772 California car dealers from 6,199 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $101.
680 of 1387 rated California dealers earn an A · 304 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 7, 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 1387 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4772 dealers →Valencia BMW
Santa Clarita, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 12 verified quotes
See the quotesBob Smith BMW
Calabasas, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesBakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesKeyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Valley Kia
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Simi Valley
Simi Valley, CASimi Valley, CA
Mercedes-Benz Of Long Beach
Signal Hill, CASignal Hill, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Motor Hub Usa
Loomis, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Revv Auto Sales Llc
Campbell, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Motor City Buick GMC
Bakersfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Moran Nachum Exotic Motors Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Metro Acura Montclair
Montclair, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Road King Motors
Richmond, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Rock Honda
Fontana, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Mendoza Automotive Group
Bakersfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
M Cars
Fairfield, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Sacramento Luxury Motors
Rancho Cordova, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Sacramento Motors
Sacramento, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Sam's Motors
Westminster, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Mark Christopher Auto Center
Ontario, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
San Jose Auto Sales Inc
San Jose, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Yuba City Nissan
Yuba City, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Luxe Auto Sales
Modesto, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Lsm Cars
Fullerton, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Long Beach Honda
Signal Hill, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Lithia Fresno Hyundai
Fresno, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Lexus Of Valencia
Santa Clarita, 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 1387 rated California dealers is $101, based on 6,199 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?
Valencia BMW, Bob Smith BMW, Bakersfield Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 680 of 1387 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.
