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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
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More Dealers in California
Bigdiscountcars.com
Los Angeles, CA
Bil&co
Escondido, CA
Bill's Used Car Depot Inc
La Mesa, CA
Black Diamond Auto Sales Inc.
Rancho Cordova, CA
Black Label Motor Cars
Upland, CA
Blackstar Offroad
Anaheim, CA
Blackstone Chevrolet
Fresno, CA
Blackstone Toyota Pre-owned Superstore
Fresno, CA
Blanca Sales And Rentals
Los Angeles, CA
Bloom Auto Sales
Escondido, CA
Blue Diamond Auto Sales
Ceres, CA
Blue Eagle Motors
Fremont, CA
Blue Fin Motors
Sacramento, CA
Blue Line Enterprise Llc
Hemet, CA
Bluestone Auto Sales Llc
West Sacramento, CA
Blvd Auto Solutions
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Bm Motors
Modesto, CA
BMW Fresno
Fresno, CA
BMW Of Buena Park
Buena Park, CA
BMW Of Chico
Chico, 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.