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JH Barkau & Sons Inc

(1,381 reviews)
Visit JH Barkau & Sons Inc
Sales hours: 8:00am to 7:00pm
Service hours: 7:30am to 5:00pm
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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
2025 state dealer award
View 18 awards
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
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

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

Inventory

See all 273 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

(1,381 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.

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This was hands down the best experience I've ever had

This was hands down the best experience I've ever had buying a vehicle, let alone a used one! I was speechless as what seemed like everyone bending over backwards to make this experience fluid and flawless for me. After just losing my dad and making the stream come true all in a matter of hours was just unbelievable five stars, 10 out of 10 would recommend, A++++++++++. Not only will I recommend but will be a return. Customer absolutely for sure. Thank you again for making this dream come true.

This was hands down the best experience I've ever had

This was hands down the best experience I've ever had buying a vehicle, let alone a used one! I was speechless as what seemed like everyone bending over backwards to make this experience fluid and flawless for me. After just losing my dad and making the stream come true all in a matter of hours was just unbelievable five stars, 10 out of 10 would recommend, A++++++++++. Not only will I recommend but will be a return. Customer absolutely for sure. Thank you again for making this dream come true.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Customer service
  • Buying process
  • Quality of repair
  • Overall facilities
  • Overall experience 5.0
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Joe was a pleasure to work with, he made the process feel

Joe was a pleasure to work with, he made the process feel very easy, thank you Joe!

Joe was a pleasure to work with, he made the process feel

Joe was a pleasure to work with, he made the process feel very easy, thank you Joe!

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:
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We didn’t actually use the Cedarville dealership.

We didn’t actually use the Cedarville dealership. We worked out of Freeport. The vehicle was brought from Cedarville.

We didn’t actually use the Cedarville dealership.

We didn’t actually use the Cedarville dealership. We worked out of Freeport. The vehicle was brought from Cedarville.

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:
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Great people and great experience for my first vehicle

Great people and great experience for my first vehicle purchase. I highly recommend them for anything vehicle related.

Great people and great experience for my first vehicle

Great people and great experience for my first vehicle purchase. I highly recommend them for anything vehicle related.

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:
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The dealer was quick, professional and very nice.

The dealer was quick, professional and very nice. We were in and out extremely fast.

The dealer was quick, professional and very nice.

The dealer was quick, professional and very nice. We were in and out extremely fast.

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
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Brakau has a nice clean dealership.

Brakau has a nice clean dealership. They are very professional. They have a nice warm place to preview the vehicle.

Brakau has a nice clean dealership.

Brakau has a nice clean dealership. They are very professional. They have a nice warm place to preview the vehicle.

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:
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After recently being rear ended and having our car

After recently being rear ended and having our car totaled out by insurance, we were in the market for another car exactly 1 year after purchasing one. Nils met with us and walked the lot with us, but we didn’t see or drive anything that suited us. We went back the next day, looked at the cedarville lot and ended back in Freeport. We test drove a few other cars, but still nothing that we liked enough to purchase. Nils was patient, kind and helpful through the whole process. Eventually, Mr. Barkau suggested a vehicle. We test drove it, and loved it. It fit our needs perfectly. He even added in a small warranty to us. We’ve purchased numerous vehicles from Barkau, and will always trust them! Thank you Nils and all of the Freeport team for your help and patience!

After recently being rear ended and having our car

After recently being rear ended and having our car totaled out by insurance, we were in the market for another car exactly 1 year after purchasing one. Nils met with us and walked the lot with us, but we didn’t see or drive anything that suited us. We went back the next day, looked at the cedarville lot and ended back in Freeport. We test drove a few other cars, but still nothing that we liked enough to purchase. Nils was patient, kind and helpful through the whole process. Eventually, Mr. Barkau suggested a vehicle. We test drove it, and loved it. It fit our needs perfectly. He even added in a small warranty to us. We’ve purchased numerous vehicles from Barkau, and will always trust them! Thank you Nils and all of the Freeport team for your help and patience!

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:
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Joe Baker is a great salesperson to work with.

Joe Baker is a great salesperson to work with. After my wife and I test drove the vehicle that we purchased, he ran it through the car wash again and even filled it with gasoline. Beyond what he had to do. We also had a great visit with Mr. Barkau. Buying a car at Barkau and Sons was a great experience.

Joe Baker is a great salesperson to work with.

Joe Baker is a great salesperson to work with. After my wife and I test drove the vehicle that we purchased, he ran it through the car wash again and even filled it with gasoline. Beyond what he had to do. We also had a great visit with Mr. Barkau. Buying a car at Barkau and Sons was a great experience.

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:
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We have used this dealership for all our car needs for

We have used this dealership for all our car needs for over 25 years and they always take care of us!

We have used this dealership for all our car needs for

We have used this dealership for all our car needs for over 25 years and they always take care of 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:
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Tim B is our guy, not only for this new purchase but 6

Tim B is our guy, not only for this new purchase but 6 other cars over the years. J. H. Barkau & Sons are professional, understanding, and trustworthy! All of what you want when making a big purchase! If you haven’t already used their services, don’t hesitate to call Tim or any one of their other professionals. I hope we never hit another deer but Barkau & Sons is who will get my business.

Tim B is our guy, not only for this new purchase but 6

Tim B is our guy, not only for this new purchase but 6 other cars over the years. J. H. Barkau & Sons are professional, understanding, and trustworthy! All of what you want when making a big purchase! If you haven’t already used their services, don’t hesitate to call Tim or any one of their other professionals. I hope we never hit another deer but Barkau & Sons is who will get my business.

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:
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