Skip to main content

JH Barkau & Sons Inc

(1,458 reviews)
Visit JH Barkau & Sons Inc
Sales hours: 8:00am to 7:00pm
Service hours: 7:30am to 5:00pm
View all hours
Sales Service
Monday 8:00am–7:00pm 7:30am–5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am–7:00pm 7:30am–5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am–7:00pm 7:30am–5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am–7:00pm 7:30am–5:00pm
Friday 8:00am–7:00pm 7:30am–5:00pm
Saturday 8:00am–4:00pm 7:30am–11:30am
Sunday Closed Closed
2026 state dealer award
View 20 awards
2026 state dealer award 2025 state dealer award 2024 state dealer award 2023 state dealer award 2016 state dealer award 2015 state dealer award 2014 state dealer award 2013 state dealer award
2026 consumer dealer award 2025 consumer dealer award 2024 consumer dealer award 2023 consumer dealer award 2022 consumer dealer award 2021 consumer dealer award 2020 consumer dealer award 2019 consumer dealer award 2018 consumer dealer award 2017 consumer dealer award 2016 consumer dealer award 2015 consumer dealer award

Contact seller

Select a Salesperson (optional)

Contact seller

By clicking here, you authorize Cars.com and its sellers/partners to contact you by text/calls which may include marketing and be by autodialer. Calls may be prerecorded. You also agree to our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions . Consent is not required to purchase goods and services.

(815) 599-1598 (815) 599-1598

Inventory

See all 260 vehicles from this dealership.

About our dealership

This seller has been on Cars.com since March 2004.
Since 1952 J.H. Barkau & Sons has stood behind our large selection of used vehicles. We are a customer focused and a family owned business. Our sales staff does not believe in pressuring our customers. Instead we want to earn your business by making sure each and every single one of our customers can find something that is right for them on our lot.
We have been voted "Best In Region" for the 19th Year in a row by local newspaper readers and named Dealer Rater Illinois Used Car Dealer of the Year for three straight years.
Voted "Best in the Region" for 19 years in a row!

Service center

Phone number (815) 599-1598

Service hours

Monday
7:30am–5:00pm
Tuesday
7:30am–5:00pm
Wednesday
7:30am–5:00pm
Thursday
7:30am–5:00pm
Friday
7:30am–5:00pm
Saturday
7:30am–11:30am
Sunday
Closed

Meet our employees

Reviews

(1,458 reviews)

A dealership's rating is based on all of their reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews. Includes reviews of JH Barkau & Sons Inc from DealerRater.

Want to share your experience with this dealership?

Write a review

What an amazing experience. I live in Wisconsin. The vehicle I chose was at the Freeport lot. When I called I spoke with Joe. He was exceptional! I had a zillion questions and called several times and at different times throughout the days ahead. He answered my calls within TWO rings or called me back within minutes. The service I received from that point was the best I had ever experienced. I drove 2 hours to test drive the van and when I pulled up the van was up front waiting for me. Joe quickly came out and showed me the van. I had questions about the working of the van and some he wasn't sure of so he went and within minutes came back with a man who had also the answers to my question. I frimly believe that the smartest person in the room is the person who knows what they don't know and asks for help. He did just that. Then I met Rick and I quickly understood where the uplifting spirit came from. His man is sooo positive and friendly. He came out. introduced himself and gave special attention to my dog who came with me. Insisted my pup came inside and out of the heat. He then then came back with a bowl of water for her and asked if she would like ice in it. We sat and talked for awhile about his dog passing and I found a new friend! When I test drove the van and the check engine light came on. Told Joe and he made sure to have it taken care of. I took the van to the garage where the exceptional care continued. The man I first spoke with (cant recall his man) was upbeat , imformative and reasurring. I told him that one of the key fobs was starting the car but not opening the door. When my van was finished Marcy (What a sweetheart) came to let me know. The young man at the counter handed me my two key fobs (surprised me by fixing the one I had a problem with) and had my van waiting for me. I asked what I owed and he said there's no charge. I was shocked ! That's service with a smile. I have bought many vehicles in my lifetime and never had such a wonderful smooth experience. I also want to touch on the waiting area at this garage. When I was directed to that area to wait, I thought, here we go. I walked in and WOW! There was seating with tables and comfortable chairs. There was a charging station for electionics, a tv, FOOD. Many snacks and drinks all compliments of Barkau. The cherry on the cake was the the dogs that greeted you. One with a ball in her mouth. You can't make this up, but thrilled to have experienced it. I will happily drive the two hours again the next time I need a vehicle. Thank You to all who made my experience worthy of returning.

What an amazing experience. I live in Wisconsin. The vehicle I chose was at the Freeport lot. When I called I spoke with Joe. He was exceptional! I had a zillion questions and called several times and at different times throughout the days ahead. He answered my calls within TWO rings or called me back within minutes. The service I received from that point was the best I had ever experienced. I drove 2 hours to test drive the van and when I pulled up the van was up front waiting for me. Joe quickly came out and showed me the van. I had questions about the working of the van and some he wasn't sure of so he went and within minutes came back with a man who had also the answers to my question. I frimly believe that the smartest person in the room is the person who knows what they don't know and asks for help. He did just that. Then I met Rick and I quickly understood where the uplifting spirit came from. His man is sooo positive and friendly. He came out. introduced himself and gave special attention to my dog who came with me. Insisted my pup came inside and out of the heat. He then then came back with a bowl of water for her and asked if she would like ice in it. We sat and talked for awhile about his dog passing and I found a new friend! When I test drove the van and the check engine light came on. Told Joe and he made sure to have it taken care of. I took the van to the garage where the exceptional care continued. The man I first spoke with (cant recall his man) was upbeat , imformative and reasurring. I told him that one of the key fobs was starting the car but not opening the door. When my van was finished Marcy (What a sweetheart) came to let me know. The young man at the counter handed me my two key fobs (surprised me by fixing the one I had a problem with) and had my van waiting for me. I asked what I owed and he said there's no charge. I was shocked ! That's service with a smile. I have bought many vehicles in my lifetime and never had such a wonderful smooth experience. I also want to touch on the waiting area at this garage. When I was directed to that area to wait, I thought, here we go. I walked in and WOW! There was seating with tables and comfortable chairs. There was a charging station for electionics, a tv, FOOD. Many snacks and drinks all compliments of Barkau. The cherry on the cake was the the dogs that greeted you. One with a ball in her mouth. You can't make this up, but thrilled to have experienced it. I will happily drive the two hours again the next time I need a vehicle. Thank You to all who made my experience worthy of returning.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

Barkau & Sons has been nothing short of excellent for me and my family throughout the years. Specifically Nil’s Sandstrom has been our salesman each time we have needed an upgrade or replacement we are beyond grateful and thankful for Nils’s expertise and his ability to not simply sell a car, but to find the right fit for me and my family. Nils’s excellence is obvious but it does not overshadow the operation as a whole. The team of individuals in each of their own roles at each location are all very welcoming, professional and courteous and talented. I’ve never left Barkau disappointed with my experience and I don’t feel my experiences are unique. Buying a vehicle can be daunting and worrisome task tantamount to a chore. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, are a fan of putting your money back into our community by supporting local dealerships and are tired of feeling uneasy when walking away from big purchase, go to Barkau and ask for Nils. The good news is that if Nils isn’t available Jim and his sons will make sure you’re taken care of.

Barkau & Sons has been nothing short of excellent for me and my family throughout the years. Specifically Nil’s Sandstrom has been our salesman each time we have needed an upgrade or replacement we are beyond grateful and thankful for Nils’s expertise and his ability to not simply sell a car, but to find the right fit for me and my family. Nils’s excellence is obvious but it does not overshadow the operation as a whole. The team of individuals in each of their own roles at each location are all very welcoming, professional and courteous and talented. I’ve never left Barkau disappointed with my experience and I don’t feel my experiences are unique. Buying a vehicle can be daunting and worrisome task tantamount to a chore. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, are a fan of putting your money back into our community by supporting local dealerships and are tired of feeling uneasy when walking away from big purchase, go to Barkau and ask for Nils. The good news is that if Nils isn’t available Jim and his sons will make sure you’re taken care of.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

Nils was such a pleasure doing business with! He made purchasing a car easy on my father and I.

Nils was such a pleasure doing business with! He made purchasing a car easy on my father and I.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

Very easy to deal with. Tim went out of his way to answer all questions, and we had a lot. Product matched the pictures and the expectation. Very pleased with our truck and our experience. Would recommend.

Very easy to deal with. Tim went out of his way to answer all questions, and we had a lot. Product matched the pictures and the expectation. Very pleased with our truck and our experience. Would recommend.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

My wife and I had a very easy, no-stress experience with Tim at the dealership. We already knew what vehicle we were interested in, but Tim followed our lead and was very supportive, forthcoming, and helpful in the process. We never felt pressured in any way. We would definitely recommend shopping at JH. Barkau, and asking Tim for his help and guidance. If we are ever in need of another vehicle, Barkau and Tim are at the top of our list.

My wife and I had a very easy, no-stress experience with Tim at the dealership. We already knew what vehicle we were interested in, but Tim followed our lead and was very supportive, forthcoming, and helpful in the process. We never felt pressured in any way. We would definitely recommend shopping at JH. Barkau, and asking Tim for his help and guidance. If we are ever in need of another vehicle, Barkau and Tim are at the top of our list.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

Everyone in the dealership was nice and willing to assist. Tim was very helpful and made the process very easy on us.

Everyone in the dealership was nice and willing to assist. Tim was very helpful and made the process very easy on us.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

Nils Sandstrom was a pleasure to work with. He helped us find the car we were looking for without any pressure. Things went so well we bought two vehicles that day. Knowledgeable and efficient, top rating.

Nils Sandstrom was a pleasure to work with. He helped us find the car we were looking for without any pressure. Things went so well we bought two vehicles that day. Knowledgeable and efficient, top rating.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

Great experience! Tim helped us check out several cars and the staff stayed late to finish up the paperwork. Tim added personal touches to the sale that were appreciated.

Great experience! Tim helped us check out several cars and the staff stayed late to finish up the paperwork. Tim added personal touches to the sale that were appreciated.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

We have grown to trust the crew at Barkau, especially Nils. We have purchased 3 cars in the last 15 hrs or so and some from many years ago, Including our family members they are very attentive and honest , will not buy from anyone else.

We have grown to trust the crew at Barkau, especially Nils. We have purchased 3 cars in the last 15 hrs or so and some from many years ago, Including our family members they are very attentive and honest , will not buy from anyone else.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review

Greatly appreciated our Salesman, Tim. He made the purchase of my vehicle seamless. He was very attentive and worked through all the details with speed. I’m very excited about my purchase. This vehicle is exactly what I was looking for.

Greatly appreciated our Salesman, Tim. He made the purchase of my vehicle seamless. He was very attentive and worked through all the details with speed. I’m very excited about my purchase. This vehicle is exactly what I was looking for.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
Customer service
Buying process
Quality of repair
Overall facilities
Overall experience
5.0
  • Does recommend this dealer
  • Shopped for a used car
Worked with:
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.
Show full review
See all 1458 reviews

Related searches near you