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 →Audi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 15 verified quotes
See the quotesCuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesCadillac Marin
San Rafael, CASan Rafael, CA
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Rio Vista Chevrolet
Buellton, CABuellton, CA
Weir Canyon Honda
Yorba Linda, CAYorba Linda, CA
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
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More Dealers in California
Aa Imports Cars Services Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Aa Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Aaa Motor Cars
Los Angeles, CA
Aag Exotics
Costa Mesa, CA
Aaron Automotive Group
Lake Elsinore, CA
Aaron Ford Of Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore, CA
Ab Autotown
Torrance, CA
Abe's Motorsports
Sacramento, CA
Abel Chevrolet Co.
Rio Vista, CA
About New Auto Sales
Lincoln, CA
Above And Beyond Automotive
San Jose, CA
Ace Auto Sales
Mission Viejo, CA
Ace Motors
Anaheim, CA
Ace of Diamond Auto
Oakdale, CA
Ace's Motors
Antioch, CA
Action Auto Centers
Hesperia, CA
Action Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Active Auto Sales
Novato, CA
Acura Of Escondido
Escondido, CA
Acura Of Glendale
Glendale, 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?
Audi Napa Valley, Toyota Of Orange, Cuesta GMC 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.