Best Car Dealers in Iowa
As of November 2026, CarEdge grades 234 of 709 Iowa car dealers from 459 verified out-the-door quotes. Iowa's average doc fee is $170.
133 of 234 rated Iowa dealers earn an A · 63 earn a D or F
Data updated Nov 1, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Hawkeye State
Iowa's dealer grade: B
80/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 234 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 709 dealers →Vaughn Automotive
Ottumwa, IA
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesLindquist Ford
Bettendorf, IA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesStew Hansen Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat
Urbandale, IA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesVaughn Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM
Ottumwa, IAOttumwa, IA
Carousel Mercedes-Benz
Iowa City, IAIowa City, IA
Edwards Kia
Council Bluffs, IACouncil Bluffs, IA
Riley Subaru
Dubuque, IADubuque, IA
Stivers Ford of Waukee
Waukee, IAWaukee, IA
Vaughn Automotive - Buick GMC of Ottumwa
Ottumwa, IAOttumwa, IA
Dave Wright Subaru
Hiawatha, IAHiawatha, IA
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More Dealers in Iowa
Deery Brothers Chrysler Dodge RAM and Jeep of Waukee
Waukee, IA · 3 verified quotes
Jensen Mazda
Sioux City, IA · 3 verified quotes
Jim Baier Ford
Fort Madison, IA · 3 verified quotes
Keast Auto Center
Harlan, IA · 3 verified quotes
Mcgrath Hyundai of Cedar Rapids
Hiawatha, IA · 3 verified quotes
Mercedes-Benz of Des Moines
Des Moines, IA · 3 verified quotes
Smart Honda Des Moines
Des Moines, IA · 3 verified quotes
Toyota of Des Moines
Grimes, IA · 3 verified quotes
Deery Brothers Nissan of Dubuque
Dubuque, IA · 6 verified quotes
Jerry's Ford
Sheldon, IA · 6 verified quotes
Granger Ford
Granger, IA · 5 verified quotes
Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota
Fort Dodge, IA · 14 verified quotes
Toyota of Muscatine
Muscatine, IA · 8 verified quotes
Kimberly Car City CDJR
Davenport, IA · 6 verified quotes
Pritchard's Lake Chevrolet
Clear Lake, IA · 5 verified quotes
Kia of Des Moines
Des Moines, IA · 3 verified quotes
Stew Hansen Hyundai
Clive, IA · 11 verified quotes
Mcgrath Toyota of Iowa City
Iowa City, IA · 8 verified quotes
Bob Brown Chevrolet, Inc.
Urbandale, IA · 4 verified quotes
Randy Kuehl Honda
Cedar Rapids, IA · 3 verified quotes
Dealers by City in Iowa
Iowa doc fee law
Iowa caps documentation fees at $180. Iowa dealers rarely deviate from the cap.
Iowa Dealer FAQ
What is the average dealer doc fee in Iowa?
As of November 2026, the average documentation fee at 172 rated Iowa dealers is $170, based on 459 verified out-the-door quotes collected by CarEdge. State law caps Iowa doc fees at approximately $180.
Who are the best car dealers in Iowa?
Vaughn Automotive, Lindquist Ford, Stew Hansen Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat lead the Iowa transparency rankings. 133 of 234 rated Iowa dealers earned an A grade for fair fees, minimal add-ons, and honest pricing.
How are Iowa 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 Iowa quotes are verified.
How Iowa 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 Iowa
- Know the doc fee: The average doc fee in Iowa is $170. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 78% of dealers in Iowa 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.