Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1438 of 4776 California car dealers from 6,379 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $114.
708 of 1438 rated California dealers earn an A · 308 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 11, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
76/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1438 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4776 dealers →Fairview Ford
San Bernardino, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesH & K Auto
San Jose, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
$29 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 23 verified quotes
See the quotesCuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Heritage Ford
Modesto, CAModesto, CA
Chico Mazda
Chico, CAChico, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CALong Beach, CA
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Delta Honda
Pittsburg, CAPittsburg, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Automax Pro
Bell Gardens, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Van Nuys Alfa Romeo
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Autolink
San Diego, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Auto Kingz
Modesto, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Auto Depot Of Calexico
Calexico, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Auto Dealz Of Fresno
Fresno, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Volkswagen Of Clovis
Clovis, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Audi Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Armans Auto House
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Arleta Auto Sales
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Anytime Auto Group
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
American Fleet Inc
Fontana, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
American Dream Auto Sales
Ridgecrest, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Allstate Auto Deals Llc
Sacramento, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
All In Auto Group
Norco, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Acura Of Sherman Oaks
Los Angeles, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Action Auction
Santa Rosa, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Ace Auto Dealers Corp.
Martinez, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Acceler8 Performance
Downey, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Abcars
Los Angeles, 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 1061 rated California dealers is $114, based on 6,379 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?
Fairview Ford, H & K Auto, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 708 of 1438 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 $114. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 57% 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.
