Best Car Dealers in Iowa
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 236 of 775 Iowa car dealers from 476 verified out-the-door quotes. Iowa's average doc fee is $194.
128 of 236 rated Iowa dealers earn an A · 69 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 30, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Hawkeye State
Iowa's dealer grade: C
78/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 236 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 775 dealers →Vaughn Automotive
Ottumwa, IA
No mandatory add-ons · 8 verified quotes
See the quotesJerry's Ford Of Sheldon
Sheldon, IA
No mandatory add-ons · 6 verified quotes
See the quotesLindquist Ford
Bettendorf, IA
No mandatory add-ons · 5 verified quotes
See the quotesStivers Ford Lincoln
Waukee, IAWaukee, IA
Fort Dodge Ford Toyota
Fort Dodge, IAFort Dodge, IA
C&S Car Company
Waterloo, IAWaterloo, IA
Edwards Kia
Council Bluffs, IACouncil Bluffs, IA
Jim Baier Inc.
Fort Madison, IAFort Madison, IA
Keast Auto Center
Harlan, IAHarlan, IA
Kia Of Des Moines
Des Moines, IADes Moines, IA
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More Dealers in Iowa
Jerry's Ford
Sheldon, IA
Jim Baier Ford
Fort Madison, IA
Jim Baier Inc
Fort Madison, IA
Jim Scott Automotive
Fort Madison, IA
John Deery Nissan
Cedar Falls, IA
Johnson Car Company Llc
Mount Pleasant, IA
Johnson's Auto
Mason City, IA
Junction Auto Sales
Lisbon, IA
Junge Automotive Group
Hiawatha, IA
Junge Ford North Liberty
North Liberty, IA
Junge Mazda
Hiawatha, IA
Junge Volvo Cars
Hiawatha, IA
K & M Auto Llc
Des Moines, IA
Kar Auto Group
Decorah, IA
Karl Chevrolet Ankeny
Ankeny, IA
Karl Chevrolet Of Webster City
Webster City, IA
Karl Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Of Marshalltown
Marshalltown, IA
Karl GMC Webster City
Webster City, IA
Karl Pre-owned Glidden
Glidden, IA
Kars Inc Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill, IA
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 September 2026, the average documentation fee at 168 rated Iowa dealers is $194, based on 476 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, Jerry's Ford Of Sheldon, Lindquist Ford lead the Iowa transparency rankings. 128 of 236 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 $194. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 81% 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.