Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1461 of 4783 California car dealers from 6,441 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1461 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 1461 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4783 dealers →Autonation Chevrolet Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesLancaster Honda
Lancaster, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesMossy Nissan National City
National City, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesWest Coast Auto Sales
Montclair, CAMontclair, CA
Autonation Ford Torrance
Torrance, CATorrance, CA
Roseville Chevrolet
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Roseville Hyundai
Roseville, CARoseville, CA
Autonation Hyundai Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Rotolo Chevrolet
Fontana, CAFontana, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
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More Dealers in California
Alta California Auto Sales, Inc.
Fallbrook, CA
Always Affordable Auto Llc
Davis, CA
Alyeva Motorsport
Los Angeles, CA
Am Auto Sales
Riverside, CA
Amana Auto
San Carlos, CA
Amazing Choice Autos
Sacramento, CA
Amc Auto Sales Inc
San Jose, CA
Ameer Autos
San Diego, CA
America Auto Sales
East Los Angeles, CA
American Auto Credit
Fresno, CA
American Auto Depot
Modesto, CA
American Car Group
Los Angeles, CA
American Chevrolet
Modesto, CA
American Classic Cars
La Verne, CA
American Funding
Tustin, CA
American Motors Customs & Classics
San Jose, CA
American Supercars
Fresno, CA
Americana Motors
Oceanside, CA
Amg Auto Sales
Rancho Cordova, CA
Amigos Auto Mall
San Jose, 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 6,441 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?
Autonation Chevrolet Valencia, Lancaster Honda, Mossy Nissan National City lead the California transparency rankings. 713 of 1461 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.