Best Car Dealers in Iowa
As of October 2026, CarEdge grades 250 of 789 Iowa car dealers from 484 verified out-the-door quotes. Iowa's average doc fee is $187.
141 of 250 rated Iowa dealers earn an A · 72 earn a D or F
Data updated Oct 16, 2026 · How we score dealers
The Hawkeye State
Iowa's dealer grade: C
79/100 average transparency score
50th highest doc fees in the U.S.
Based on 250 dealers with verified quotes.
Transparency Leaderboard
View all 789 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 quotesFort Dodge Ford Toyota
Fort Dodge, IAFort Dodge, IA
Stivers Ford Lincoln
Waukee, IAWaukee, 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
Look up any dealer’s transparency grade
Search 24,000+ dealers by name, brand, city, or zip.
More Dealers in Iowa
He Auto Sales & Service
Jolley, IA
Herb Green Ford, Inc.
Cascade, IA
Hertz Car Sales Cedar Rapids, Ia
Cedar Rapids, IA
Hi-way Chevrolet-buick
Rock Valley, IA
Hometown Motors of Rockwell City
Rockwell City, IA
Honda of Ames
Ames, IA
Hosmer Auto Group
Mason City, IA
Hosmer Honda
Mason City, IA
Hosmer Toyota
Mason City, IA
Hospers Auto Sales
Hospers, IA
Hwy 20 Auto Sales
Lawton, IA
Ideal Wheels
Sioux City, IA
Integrity Automotive Group
Des Moines, IA
Iowa Auto Brokers
Marion, IA
Iowa Auto Exchange
Des Moines, IA
Iowa Auto Group
Des Moines, IA
Iowa Auto Sales
Storm Lake, IA
Iowa Auto Sales, Inc
Sioux City, IA
J & J Auto Sales
Sioux City, IA
J's Auto
Manchester, IA
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 October 2026, the average documentation fee at 179 rated Iowa dealers is $187, based on 484 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. 141 of 250 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 $187. 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.