Best Car Dealers in Iowa
As of September 2026, CarEdge grades 232 of 776 Iowa car dealers from 465 verified out-the-door quotes. Iowa's average doc fee is $195.
124 of 232 rated Iowa dealers earn an A · 69 earn a D or F
Data updated Sep 26, 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 232 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 776 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
Community Honda
Orland Park, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Cresco Motor Company
Cresco, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
C & S Hyundai
Waterloo, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dahl Ford
Davenport, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dave Wright Subaru
Hiawatha, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Deery Brothers Chrysler Dodge Ram And Jeep Of Waukee
Waukee, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Deery Brothers Ford
Iowa City, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dewey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Ankeny, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Dewey Ford
Ankeny, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Eckland Motors Inc
Keokuk, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Edwards Auto Group
Council Bluffs, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Edwards Nissan
Council Bluffs, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Emmetsburg Ford
Emmetsburg, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Ervin Motor Co
Vinton, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Fesler Auto Mall
Fairfield, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Gregg Young Automotive Of Marshalltown
Marshalltown, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Helmuth Ford
Sigourney, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
H & N Chevrolet Buick
Spencer, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Jerry Roling Motors Buick
Waverly, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
Kalona Auto Used Cars & Trucks
Kalona, IA · 1 verified quoteLimited data
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 164 rated Iowa dealers is $195, based on 465 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. 124 of 232 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 $195. If a dealer charges significantly more, ask them to reduce it or consider other options.
- Good news on add-ons: 80% 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.