Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1454 of 4777 California car dealers from 6,394 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1454 rated California dealers earn an A · 317 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 12, 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 1454 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4777 dealers →Mercedes-Benz Of San Francisco
South San Francisco, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesPutnam Kia
Burlingame, CABurlingame, CA
H & K Auto
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Hyundai Of Glendale
Glendale, CAGlendale, CA
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Valley Kia
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CAIndio, CA
Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
360 Auto Sales Inc
El Cajon, CA
369 Auto Group
Santa Clarita, CA
3a Auto Sales
Oxnard, CA
3d Motors
Rocklin, CA
3k Auto
Escondido, CA
3m Motors
San Jose, CA
5 Star Auto Sale
Rancho Cordova, CA
5 Star Autos Llc
Los Angeles, CA
5 Star Modesto Inc
Modesto, CA
510 Motors
Richmond, CA
626 Autos
Los Angeles, CA
6677 Auto
Irvine, CA
7 Auto Group
Anaheim, CA
7 Star Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
700pro Auto Broker
San Juan Capistrano, CA
707 Motors
Fairfield, CA
786 Auto Group La Inc
Victorville, CA
786 Auto Sales
Fresno, CA
805 Auto Group
Thousand Oaks, CA
805 Motors Llc
San Luis Obispo, 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 1070 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,394 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?
Mercedes-Benz Of San Francisco, Autonation Subaru Carlsbad, Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad lead the California transparency rankings. 713 of 1454 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 $116. 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.