Best Car Dealers in California
As of July 2026, CarEdge grades 1489 of 4777 California car dealers from 6,542 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 →Dublin Honda
Dublin, CA
$33 below the California average
No mandatory add-ons · 12 verified quotes
See the quotesCuesta GMC
San Luis Obispo, 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 quotesJim Bone Kia
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Newport Fisker
Costa Mesa, CACosta Mesa, CA
Jaguar Land Rover Volvo Cars Monterey
Sand City, CASand City, CA
New Century BMW
Alhambra, CAAlhambra, CA
The Ford Store Morgan Hill
Morgan Hill, CAMorgan Hill, CA
Manly Hyundai
Santa Rosa, CASanta Rosa, CA
Iauto Sales, Inc.
Bloomington, CABloomington, CA
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More Dealers in California
Best Price Auto Sales
Turlock, CA
Best Rate Motors
Davis, CA
Best Way Auto
San Diego, CA
Best Way Motors Inc
San Diego, CA
Bestbuy Autozone
Costa Mesa, CA
Beta Automotive Superstore Llc
Roseville, CA
Beverly Hills Auto Brokers
Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Hills Car Club
Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Hills Porsche
Los Angeles, CA
Beverly Hills Unique Sports Cars
Los Angeles, CA
Beyer Enterprise
San Diego, CA
Bf Motorcars
Ventura, CA
Bgs Motorwerks Llc
Lodi, CA
Big Boys Toys Auto Sales, Inc.
Huntington Beach, CA
Big Discount Cars
Los Angeles, CA
Big Lam Motors
San Leandro, CA
Big Lot Auto Sales
Brea, CA
Big P Llc
Riverside, CA
Big Timin Motors Llc
Riverside, CA
Big Valley Ford Lincoln
Stockton, 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 6,542 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?
Dublin Honda, Cuesta GMC, Bakersfield Mazda 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.