Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1454 of 4777 California car dealers from 6,404 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1454 rated California dealers earn an A · 316 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 →Roseville Chevrolet
Roseville, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesAutonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 10 verified quotes
See the quotesDublin Honda
Dublin, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 12 verified quotes
See the quotesSangera Subaru
Bakersfield, CABakersfield, CA
Raceway Ford
Riverside, CARiverside, CA
Toyota Salinas
Salinas, CASalinas, CA
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CARancho Santa Margarita, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
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More Dealers in California
81 Auto
Fremont, CA
909 Auto Sales
Fontana, CA
916 Auto Mart
Sacramento, CA
925 Auto Sales Llc
Pleasant Hill, CA
964 Motorsport Llc
Fremont, CA
A & A Cars
Los Angeles, CA
A & H Motors Inc
Concord, CA
A Buyers Choice
Riverside, CA
A Ok Auto
Sacramento, CA
A Plus Auto Center
Colton, CA
A Plus Auto Sales 3241 Fulton Ave Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
A Plus Motors
Merced, CA
A.R. Auto Inc
El Monte, CA
A To B Cars
Sacramento, CA
A&s Auto Sales, Llc
Upland, CA
A1 Auto Wholesale
Sacramento, CA
A1 Carz
Sacramento, CA
A2b Auto Sales
Chula Vista, CA
Aa Auto Group Llc
Riverside, CA
Aa Auto Sales & Registration Inc
Los Angeles, 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 6,404 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?
Roseville Chevrolet, Autonation Subaru Carlsbad, Dublin Honda 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.