Best Car Dealers in Iowa
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 237 of 773 Iowa car dealers from 477 verified out-the-door quotes. Iowa's average doc fee is $194.
130 of 237 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 237 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 773 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
Smart Honda Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
Smart Hyundai Of Davenport
Davenport, IA
Smart Toyota
Davenport, IA
Smithburg Automotive
Fairfield, IA
Sorensen Auto Plaza
Shenandoah, IA
Spirit Lake Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Spirit Lake, IA
Spirit Lake Ford
Spirit Lake, IA
Spirit Lake Ford & CDJR
Spirit Lake, IA
Spoerl Automotive
Sherrill, IA
Spring Auto Sale Llc
Davenport, IA
Stalker Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
Creston, IA
Star Auto Llc
Sioux City, IA
Steffes Motors
Council Bluffs, IA
Stephen Chevrolet GMC
Monticello, IA
Stephens Automotive Sales
Johnston, IA
Steve's Auto Sales
Long Grove, IA
Stivers Ford Of Waukee
Waukee, IA
Stivers Lincoln
Waukee, IA
Story Ford
Story City, IA
Sv Auto Sales
Sioux City, 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 169 rated Iowa dealers is $194, based on 477 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. 130 of 237 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.