Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1486 of 4777 California car dealers from 6,523 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $118.
722 of 1486 rated California dealers earn an A · 333 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 1486 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4777 dealers →BMW Of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesBakersfield Mazda
Bakersfield, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesGalpin Mazda
Los Angeles, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 22 verified quotes
See the quotesGalaxy Auto Deals Inc
Sacramento, CASacramento, CA
El Cerrito Honda
El Cerrito, CAEl Cerrito, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
Gardena Honda
Gardena, CAGardena, CA
Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Century West BMW
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Cb Chevrolet
San Luis Obispo, CASan Luis Obispo, CA
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More Dealers in California
Bakersfield Acura
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Mitsubishi
Bakersfield, CA
Bakhtiari Auto Group
San Jose, CA
Baldwin Auto Sales
Escondido, CA
Ball Acura
National City, CA
Ball Auto Group
National City, CA
Ball Kia
National City, CA
Barakat Auto Sales Llc
Sacramento, CA
Barber Honda
Bakersfield, CA
Barman Auto Inc
Bakersfield, CA
Baron Elite
Upland, CA
Barood Auto Sales Llc
Sacramento, CA
Barrios Trade In Llc
Los Angeles, CA
Barstow Auto Sales
Barstow, CA
Baseline Auto Center
San Bernardino, CA
Bauz Motors
San Diego, CA
Bavaria Auto Sales
Citrus Heights, CA
Bavarian Imports
Vista, CA
Bay Area Auto Empire
Benicia, 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 1083 rated California dealers is $118, based on 6,523 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?
BMW Of Santa Monica, Bakersfield Mazda, Galpin Mazda lead the California transparency rankings. 722 of 1486 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.