Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1464 of 4784 California car dealers from 6,431 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1464 rated California dealers earn an A · 325 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 12, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
75/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 1464 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4784 dealers →Santa Cruz Toyota
Capitola, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesSanta Cruz Subaru
Capitola, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesSangera Subaru
Bakersfield, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesPerry Ford Of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CASanta Barbara, CA
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Volkswagen Of Fairfield
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Mazda Of Escondido
Escondido, CAEscondido, CA
Cuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Above And Beyond Automotive
San Jose, CA
Ace Auto Sales
Mission Viejo, CA
Ace Motors
Anaheim, CA
Ace Motors Anaheim
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
Acura Of Los Angeles Westside
Culver City, CA
Acura Of Modesto
Modesto, CA
Acura Of The Desert
Cathedral City, CA
Acura Santa Barbara
Goleta, CA
Ad Carpros
Anaheim, CA
Adams Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Adana Auto Sales
Fountain Valley, CA
Aday Cars
Redwood City, CA
Adonai Auto Dealer
Santa Rosa, 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 1071 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,431 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?
Santa Cruz Toyota, Santa Cruz Subaru, Sangera Subaru lead the California transparency rankings. 713 of 1464 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.