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
West Coast Cars
Folsom, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Westgate Retails
Orange, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Wheelchair Vans Inc
Laguna Hills, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
605 Auto Sales
Bellflower, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Woodland Chevrolet
Woodland, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Xprime Motors
South Gate, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Yreka Motors
Yreka, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
Yuba City Nissan
Yuba City, CA · 0 verified quotesLimited data
1 Auto Deal Llc
Orange, CA
1 Nation Auto Group
Vista, CA
1 Stop Auto
El Cajon, CA
1 Stop Auto Mart Inc.
Garden Grove, CA
1 Up Motors
Chowchilla, CA
101 Auto Group
Oxnard, CA
101 Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
11 Auto Group Llc
Colton, CA
123 Car Buying
Upland, CA
1st Class Auto Group Llc
Fontana, CA
1st One Motors
Sacramento, CA
2 Amigos Auto Sales
Richmond, CA
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.