Best Car Dealers in California
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 2734 of 4999 California car dealers from 10,751 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $87.
1345 of 2734 rated California dealers earn an A · 957 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 20, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Golden State
California's dealer grade: C
74/100 average transparency score
52nd highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 2734 dealers with verified quotes.
CarEdge Certified dealers in California
These dealers guarantee an all-in out-the-door price up front and no surprise add-ons.
- A100/1002026
Fremont Ford
Newark, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Volvo Cars Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA
6 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Serramonte Ford
Colma, CA
5 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Frontier Ford
Santa Clara, CA
3 verified quotes$85doc feeNo add-ons - A100/1002026
Joshua Tree Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Yucca Valley, CA
6 verified quotes$101doc feeNo add-ons - A99/1002026
I-10 Toyota
Indio, CA
41 verified quotes$85doc fee
The grade behind the badge is earned, never bought. Certification never changes a dealer's grade or ranking.
See all 23 certified dealers →Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4999 dealers →Ford Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 42 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 25 verified quotes
See the quotesRoseville Hyundai
Roseville, CA
No mandatory add-ons · 22 verified quotes
See the quotesJim Falk Lexus of Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, CABeverly Hills, CA
Kearny Mesa Hyundai
San Diego, CASan Diego, CA
Autonation Subaru Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CACarlsbad, CA
Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach, CAHuntington Beach, CA
Walnut Creek Ford
Walnut Creek, CAWalnut Creek, CA
Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CAElk Grove, CA
Mercedes-Benz of San Jose
San Jose, CASan Jose, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 24,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in California
Land Rover Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Sager Ford
St. Helena, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Swickard Thousand Oaks
Westlake Village, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
T & D Auto Group
Fresno, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Thorson Buick GMC
Pasadena, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Costa Mesa Cadillac
Costa Mesa, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Folsom Auto Mall
Folsom, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Genesis of Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Land Rover Marin
Corte Madera, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Pasadena
Pasadena, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Sd Mission Auto Sales
Vista, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Selma Auto Mall
Selma, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Tracy Ford
Tracy, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Wittmeier Chevrolet
Chico, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Apexcars.Net
Fremont, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Maita Chevrolet
Fair Oaks, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Penske Chevrolet of Cerritos
Cerritos, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Apex Auto Sales & Finance LLC
Santa Ana, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Mercedes-Benz of Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Thurston Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Ukiah, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
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 October 2026, the average documentation fee at 1838 rated California dealers is $87, based on 10,751 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?
Ford Fairfield, Galpin Mazda, Roseville Hyundai lead the California transparency rankings. 1345 of 2734 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 $87. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 68% 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.