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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
All Terrain Motors
Auburn, CA
All Usa Motors - Used Car Dealership San Jose
San Jose, CA
Allanteauto.com
Santa Ana, CA
Allen Motors
Thousand Oaks, CA
Alliance Auto Group
Fullerton, CA
Allin Cars
Costa Mesa, CA
Allstar Motors
Brentwood, CA
Allstate Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Alltech Auto Sales
Covina, CA
Almada Dealer Llc
Riverside, CA
Aloha Auto Sales
Santa Clarita, CA
Aloha Motors
Santa Cruz, CA
Alpha 1 Automotive Group
Hemet, CA
Alpha And Omega Motors
Ontario, CA
Alpha Auto Sac
Sacramento, CA
Alpha Autosports
Roseville, CA
Alpha Motorsports Of Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Alpine Auto Group Llc
Upland, CA
Alpine Motor Collection
Modesto, CA
Alpine Motors
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 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.