Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1460 of 4783 California car dealers from 6,442 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
713 of 1460 rated California dealers earn an A · 321 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 1460 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4783 dealers →Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesSouth Bay Ford
Hawthorne, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 11 verified quotes
See the quotesHoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Woodland, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesHeritage Ford
Modesto, CAModesto, CA
H & K Auto
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Delta Honda
Pittsburg, CAPittsburg, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Airport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Mazda Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CAThousand Oaks, CA
Vista Ford Lincoln
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Amigos Enterprises
Fresno, CA
Amiry Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Amore Cars
Fresno, CA
Amw Auto Sales
Sacramento, CA
Anc Motors
Davis, CA
Anderson Honda
Palo Alto, CA
Andy Auto Sales
Huntington Park, CA
Angel Cruz Auto Sales
Corona, CA
Angeles Auto Alliance
Los Angeles, CA
Angelos Auto Sales
Santa Ana, CA
Angels Motors
Riverside, CA
Ann Auto Sales
Hesperia, CA
Anoosh Auto
Mission Viejo, CA
Antioch Auto Center
Antioch, CA
Antioch Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM
Antioch, CA
Antonio's Auto Sales
Cameron Park, CA
Anytime 2buy Auto Llc
Oceanside, CA
Anywhere Motors
West Covina, CA
Apex Auto Gallery
Glendale, CA
Apex Auto Sales
Santa Ana, 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 6,442 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?
Rancho Santa Margarita Honda, South Bay Ford, Hoblit Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram lead the California transparency rankings. 713 of 1460 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.