Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1462 of 4784 California car dealers from 6,459 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1462 rated California dealers earn an A · 322 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 13, 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 1462 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4784 dealers →Harbor Chevrolet
Long Beach, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesWatsonville Cadillac GMC
Watsonville, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesTuttle Click Mazda
Irvine, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesManly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Manly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Porsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Weir Canyon Honda
Yorba Linda, CAYorba Linda, CA
Capistrano Volkswagen
San Juan Capistrano, CASan Juan Capistrano, CA
Porsche Ontario
Ontario, CAOntario, CA
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More Dealers in California
Al's Automotive Auto Sales
Lomita, CA
Alegario Auto Group
Lawndale, CA
Alexander Buick GMC
Oxnard, CA
Alexander Cadillac
Oxnard, CA
Alfa 1 Auto
Long Beach, CA
Alfa Romeo Fiat Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
Alfa Romeo Of Anaheim Hills
Yorba Linda, CA
Alfa Romeo Of Glendale
Glendale, CA
Alfa Romeo Of Marin
San Rafael, CA
Alfa Romeo Puente Hills
City of Industry, CA
Alfis Auto Sales
Corona, CA
Alfred Matthews Cadillac
Modesto, CA
Ali's Auto Gallery Llc
Sacramento, CA
All Auto Sales
Escondido, CA
All Cars & Trucks
North Highlands, CA
All Credit Auto Sales
San Jose, CA
All Set Motors
Sacramento, CA
All Star Auto Group
Santa Clara, CA
All Star Kia San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
All Stars Motors Inc
Daly City, 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 6,459 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?
Harbor Chevrolet, Watsonville Cadillac GMC, Tuttle Click Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 713 of 1462 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.