Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1473 of 4783 California car dealers from 6,470 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
719 of 1473 rated California dealers earn an A · 325 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 14, 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 1473 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4783 dealers →Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 4 verified quotes
See the quotesManly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAcura Of Concord
Concord, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAirport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Lithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CAClovis, CA
Dublin Honda
Dublin, CADublin, CA
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CAEl Cerrito, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Elk Grove Toyota
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Audi Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
Audi Valencia
Santa Clarita, CA
August Auto
El Cajon, CA
Austin's Auto Sale, Inc.
Lake Forest, CA
Authority Auto
Los Angeles, CA
Auto 4 Less
Fresno, CA
Auto Amigos Richmond
Richmond, CA
Auto Ash Inc
Costa Mesa, CA
Auto Auction Group, Inc
Los Angeles, CA
Auto City
Alhambra, CA
Auto City
El Cajon, CA
Auto City
Fresno, CA
Auto City
Redwood City, CA
Auto Connect Usa
Costa Mesa, CA
Auto Connection Of San Diego
Spring Valley, CA
Auto Connections
Los Angeles, CA
Auto Connections
Orange, CA
Auto Consignment San Diego
San Marcos, CA
Auto Deal
Tracy, CA
Auto Deals
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 1080 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,470 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?
Manly Hyundai, Manly Automotive Group, Acura Of Concord lead the California transparency rankings. 719 of 1473 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 $119. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 58% 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.