Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1478 of 4777 California car dealers from 6,502 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $118.
722 of 1478 rated California dealers earn an A · 327 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 1478 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4777 dealers →Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesCadillac Of South San Francisco
Colma, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesBakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesManly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Santa Cruz Subaru
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Santa Cruz Toyota
Capitola, CACapitola, CA
Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Santa Monica Audi
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Toyota Of Orange
Orange, CAOrange, CA
Carfornia.Com
Livermore, CALivermore, CA
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More Dealers in California
Autonation Mercedes-Benz Of San Jose
San Jose, CA
Autonation Mercedes-Benz Of South Bay
Torrance, CA
Autonation Mercedes-Benz Of Stevens Creek
San Jose, CA
Autonation Porsche Bentley Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA
Autonation Porsche Irvine
Irvine, CA
Autonation Volvo Cars San Jose
San Jose, CA
Autonation We'll Buy Your Car Riverside
Riverside, CA
Autonow
Indio, CA
Autonow Autosales Llc
Riverside, CA
Autopeople Llc
Sacramento, CA
Autoplus Of San Diego
Spring Valley, CA
Autoport
Los Angeles, CA
Autorange Motors Llc
Santa Clara, CA
Autos 4 U
Anaheim, CA
Autosales Kingdom
Lancaster, CA
Autosave La Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Autosela
Riverside, CA
Autosobol Llc
Irvine, CA
Autotific
Santa Ana, CA
Autotron
Compton, 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 1082 rated California dealers is $118, based on 6,502 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?
Rancho Santa Margarita Honda, Cadillac Of South San Francisco, Bakersfield Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 722 of 1478 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 $118. 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.