Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1468 of 4783 California car dealers from 6,462 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $116.
717 of 1468 rated California dealers earn an A · 324 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 1468 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4783 dealers →Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesToyota Of Orange
Orange, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 15 verified quotes
See the quotesPorsche Ontario
Ontario, CA
$31 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 9 verified quotes
See the quotesPorsche Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, CASanta Clarita, CA
Audi Napa Valley
Fairfield, CAFairfield, CA
Mazda Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks, CAThousand Oaks, CA
Supreme Auto
Fair Oaks, CAFair Oaks, CA
Delta Honda
Pittsburg, CAPittsburg, CA
Watsonville Cadillac GMC
Watsonville, CAWatsonville, CA
Heritage Ford
Modesto, CAModesto, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 13,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Aria Auto Sales
El Cajon, CA
Ariana Motors Llc
Temecula, CA
Arise Auto Network Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Arjons Auto Sales
San Diego, CA
Ark 1 Automotive
Santa Ana, CA
Arlaauto
San Bernardino, CA
Arleta Motors
Los Angeles, CA
Armando Auto Sales
Fresno, CA
Armani Motors
Sacramento, CA
Asal Autosports
Corona, CA
Ase Auto Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
Asm Media
Agoura Hills, CA
Asn Cars
Sacramento, CA
Assured Autos
Glendale, CA
Aston Martin Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
Aston Martin Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, CA
Aston Martin San Diego
San Diego, CA
Astro Auto Mall
Long Beach, CA
Astro Auto Sales & Leasing
Los Angeles, CA
Atayas Auto Group Llc
Sacramento, 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 1077 rated California dealers is $116, based on 6,462 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?
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach, Toyota Of Orange, Porsche Ontario lead the California transparency rankings. 717 of 1468 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.