Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1477 of 4783 California car dealers from 6,477 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $119.
719 of 1477 rated California dealers earn an A · 329 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 1477 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4783 dealers →Chavez Jessup GMC
Indio, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesAirport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CA
$34 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 12 verified quotes
See the quotesManly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Manly Automotive Group
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Lancaster Honda
Lancaster, CALancaster, CA
Kia Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Kia Of Alhambra
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
Keyes Hyundai Of Mission Hills
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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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 1081 rated California dealers is $119, based on 6,477 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?
Chavez Jessup GMC, Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Airport Marina Ford lead the California transparency rankings. 719 of 1477 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.