Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2731 of 4964 California car dealers from 10,732 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $87.
1340 of 2731 rated California dealers earn an A · 958 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 20, 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 2731 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
Serramonte Ford
Colma, CA
4 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
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 4964 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
Special Interest Cars of Lewiston, Ca
Lewiston, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Speedway Motors Covina
Covina, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sports Auto
Inglewood, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Standard Auto Sales
Bakersfield, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Star Auto Sd
National City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Subaru of Sonora
Sonora, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Summit Subaru El Cajon
El Cajon, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sunrise Motors
Yuba City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sunset Auto Center, Inc.
Lompoc, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sunset Auto Sales
Santa Cruz, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Super Auto Sales Modesto
Modesto, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Superior Kar Company
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Supreme Auto Center Inc
Bloomington, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Surf Motors Inc
Vista, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Swickard Acura of Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Swickard Acura Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Synergy Motors - Nader's Pre-Owned
Santa Rosa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Tackett Auto Brokerage
Lake Forest, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Taj Auto Group
Vallejo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Team Cadillac
Vallejo, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited 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 October 2026, the average documentation fee at 1834 rated California dealers is $87, based on 10,732 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. 1340 of 2731 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 $87. 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.