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
United Kia Imperial
Imperial, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Universal Auto
Bellflower, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Upgrade Auto Sale
Fontana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Used Oc Pros
Tustin, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Us Toyota
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vacaville Honda
Vacaville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vacaville Volkswagen
Vacaville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vak Auto Sales
Huntington Beach, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Valley Coach Co Sales & Leasing
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Valley Honda
Aurora, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Value Cars Inc National City
National City, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Van Nuys Maserati
Los Angeles, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Variety Auto Sales
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Victorville Cadillac
Victorville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Villaford
CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Villegas Auto Sales
Lompoc, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vineyard Autos
Lodi, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Visalia Hyundai
Visalia, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vision Motors
Garden Grove, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Vj's Auto Center
Madera, 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.