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
Escondido Auto Super Center
Escondido, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Van Nuys CDJR
Van Nuys, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Faggart Automotive Center
Porterville, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Herman Cook Volkswagen
Encinitas, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Norwalk Envision Motors
CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Visalia Auto Center
Visalia, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Carfinity
Hayward, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Mercedes-Benz of Palo Alto
Palo Alto, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
South Bay Lincoln
Hawthorne, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Fiesta Motors
Ontario, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Starfire Auto Inc
Santa Clarita, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Stockton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
Stockton, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Jaguar Land Rover Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Santa Monica Ford
Santa Monica, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Bentley Pasadena
Pasadena, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Penske Cadillac of South Bay
Torrance, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Rao Auto Group
Corona, CA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
I Auto Sales Inc
Bloomington, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Keller Ford
Hanford, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited data
Pedder Nissan
Hemet, CA · 2 verified quotesLimited 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.