Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1489 of 4777 California car dealers from 6,540 verified out-the-door quotes. California's average doc fee is $118.
724 of 1489 rated California dealers earn an A · 331 earn a D or F
Data updated Jul 15, 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 1489 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 4777 dealers →Elk Grove Subaru
Elk Grove, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 7 verified quotes
See the quotesLithia Nissan Of Clovis
Clovis, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 3 verified quotes
See the quotesCuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesAirport Marina Ford
Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA
Acura Of Concord
Concord, CAConcord, CA
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
Hyundai Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA
Hyundai Of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CASanta Maria, CA
Toyota Of Orange
Orange, CAOrange, CA
Hyundai Of Mountain View
Mountain View, CAMountain View, CA
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Bavaria Auto Sales
Citrus Heights, CA
Bavarian Imports
Vista, CA
Bay Area Auto Empire
Benicia, CA
Bay Area Auto Finance Inc.
Fremont, CA
Bay Auto Exchange
Fremont, CA
Bay Cars R Us
San Jose, CA
Bay Luxury Autos
Dublin, CA
Bay Select Autos
San Jose, CA
Bayber Auto Sales
Modesto, CA
Bayside Motors
San Diego, CA
Beach Boulevard Of Cars
Huntington Beach, CA
Beautiful Auto Sales
San Jose, CA
Bee Back Motors
Sonora, CA
Beisan Motors
Chino, CA
Bell Auto Group Llc
Bell, CA
Bellflower Auto Exchange
Bellflower, CA
Bellflower Sprinter Auto Sales Llc
Bellflower, CA
Ben Z Auto Wholesale
Rialto, CA
Benicia Elite Auto Group
Benicia, CA
Bennett Motor Company Llc
Rialto, 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 1088 rated California dealers is $118, based on 6,540 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?
Elk Grove Subaru, Lithia Nissan Of Clovis, Cuesta GMC lead the California transparency rankings. 724 of 1489 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.