Frequently asked questions about Dale Howard Auto Center
Questions we hear most in Iowa Falls and Waverly
Sales FAQs
Can you work around my schedule if I cannot get to the lot?
Yes. We will bring the vehicle to your home or workplace, or meet you partway. Our posted hours do not fit everyone, so tell us what time works and we will plan around it.
What if the vehicle I want is not on your lot?
Several options. It may already be in transit if it is listed online. We can trade with another dealer, order it from the factory to your specifications, add it to a wish list, or go looking for one.
Will you buy my car if I am not buying one from you?
Yes. We purchase vehicles outright with no obligation to buy, and we also take trade-ins. Start with a free valuation to see what yours is worth.
Service FAQs
What will an oil change run me?
Roughly $40 for semi-synthetic and $70 for full synthetic. The exact figure depends on how many quarts your engine holds and which oil your manufacturer specifies. Call with your year and model for a firm quote.
What do you actually do during an oil change?
We drain and replace the engine oil, fit a new filter, top off fluids, check tire pressures, inspect the brakes visually, and complete a nine-point inspection. We will also ask whether you want the tires rotated.
How long should I plan to be there?
Usually 30 minutes to an hour, the longer end if you add a tire rotation. Vehicle type matters too, since some manufacturers require extra steps for a proper oil service.
Can I book a specific day and time for service?
Yes. Schedule online or call 641-648-4695 to pick your slot. Within 30 miles of the store we also offer free pickup and delivery on weekdays.
Finance FAQs
What rate can you get me?
It depends on loan term, vehicle age and mileage, your credit history, your debt ratio, and any factory low APR offers. A few questions let our finance office answer accurately, and most customers who finance here save money.
Do I have to go to the courthouse for tax and title work?
Usually not. We handle the state and federal paperwork in house. Exceptions come up with out of state purchases, or when a trade needs transferring into your name first.
Am I penalized for paying the loan off early?
No. Iowa law prohibits prepayment penalties on installment loans, so paying ahead or clearing the balance early costs you nothing extra.
Can I finance with poor credit?
Often, yes. We work with a range of lenders covering credit from poor to excellent. Weaker credit usually means lenders want to see equity, so a down payment or trade equity may be required.
I have no credit history at all. Any options?
Yes. Several of our lenders run first time buyer programs. Twelve months of job history, a reasonable debt ratio, and a solid equity position usually make approval possible. A co-signer is another route.
Does co-signing show up on my credit?
Yes. As co-signer you are financially responsible if the buyer misses payments or defaults, and the loan appears on your credit file. Our pre-approval form and payment calculator can help you plan.
Why we put these answers in writing
Most of the questions below get asked at the desk several times a week, so it seemed sensible to answer them here instead of making you call to find out. They cover the three things people ask about most: buying, servicing, and paying for a vehicle.
Where a price or a timeframe is quoted, treat it as a realistic starting point rather than a fixed quote. Oil change cost moves with how many quarts your engine takes and which oil the manufacturer calls for, and service times shift depending on what else you have us do while the vehicle is with us. Give us the year, make, and model and we can be exact.
We have sold and serviced vehicles in this part of Iowa for more than fifty years, out of the store on Brooks Road in Iowa Falls and our second location in Waverly. The short version of our approach: ask what you need, tell you what it costs, and skip the runaround.