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J H Barkau & Sons Cedarville
Cedarville, IL
1,248 Reviews
Since 1952, J.H. Barkau & Sons has served the Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin stateline area for their automotive needs. We can proudly boast to over 70,000 customers in those years and have had thousands of customers purchase multiple vehicles and generations of families that have allowed us to serve them.
When John H. Barkau founded the business, his goal was to bring quality, affordable transportation to the local area. Jim (2nd generation), Rick (3rd generation), and Willie (3rd generation) Barkau have continued in that tradition while expanding our marketplace to be worldwide. We have had vehicles shipped to Russia, Sweden, Australia, Turkey, Mexico and many other locations. We have vehicles purchased by customers in 49 states and commonly have customers fly in to pick up their new vehicles. In all of this, it has been a pleasure for the Barkau family to help fulfill the transportation needs of a varied clientele.
J.H. Barkau & Sons has accomplished this feat by continuing to offer quality, hand-picked vehicles at very competitive prices. We believe in offering our customers an incredible selection that is second to none, with over 1100 vehicles available for purchase. We believe in a no pressure sales environment and in quality reconditioning of our inventory selection. Our sales teams at our Cedarville and Freeport stores each have over a century of experience in helping fill the needs of our vast customer base. The funny part is, we remember a lot of you years later and we are genuinely happy to see you.
But selling cars is not all that we do. We believe in supporting the local community through donations, Toy Drives, Food Drives and many other local charities and fundraisers. We also run the “Excellerate” program for Aquin Catholic Schools and have facilitated over 113 donated vehicles. That may be part of the reason that we have been voted the “Best In Region” Used Car Dealership for 15 straight years. Great vehicles, great people, great exp
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This rating includes all dealership reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Sales Price Transparency
Trade-in Experience
Purchase Time
Finance Experience
Hours
Sales/Showroom
Monday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Service
Monday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Sunday Closed
Parts
Monday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Sunday Closed
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Showing 1,248 reviews
April 22, 2025
Outstanding Experience at JH Barkau & Sons Automobiles We were searching for a safe, reliable car for our 16-year-old daughter when we spent five months looking for the right vehicle. Livin Automobiles We were searching for a safe, reliable car for our 16-year-old daughter when we spent five months looking for the right vehicle. Living in the Quad Cities, you'd think our chances were good, but most local dealerships were overpriced and unwilling to negotiate. We faced disappointments like undisclosed accidents and cars breaking down during test drives, leaving us wondering if there were any honest dealerships left. Then we found JH Barkau & Sons. While browsing online, we discovered a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan in mint condition—truly a garage queen—and knew it was a great deal, about $2,000 below market value. I contacted Tim Border, who held the car for us despite us being two hours away, showing real integrity. Tim was professional, patient, and kept his word, making the entire process smooth. The dealership’s detail department did an amazing job—the car looked brand new. As a thoughtful gesture, Tim left his card, along with a $2 bill and a note under the gas cap lid, congratulating us on the purchase. Thanks to their honesty and great service, we found exactly what we wanted. We’re grateful and would definitely buy from JH Barkau & Sons again. Highly recommended! More
by sawdog933
Employees Worked With
Other Employees :
The maintenance and detail shop are second to none
April 20, 2025
Joe was very kind and knowledgable . He worked with the finance manager to bring me the best deal possible. The process was made very easy and Joe kept me informed step by step. I couldn He worked with the finance manager to bring me the best deal possible. The process was made very easy and Joe kept me informed step by step. I couldn't have asked for a better car buying process as I received today Thank you so much ! I will definitely refer my friends to The Barkau Boys! Yvonne More
by Whistlergirl57
April 18, 2025
I was very impressed with the dealership's commitment to customer satisfaction. Tim did a great job answering all my questions. He made the process go very smoothly. We were in and out in no time. If you’re customer satisfaction. Tim did a great job answering all my questions. He made the process go very smoothly. We were in and out in no time. If you’re looking to buy a car and want a hassle free experience then JH Barkau is the place for you. Ask for Tim. He’s your guy ;) More
by kintas69
April 12, 2025
Usually trading vehicles is the most stressful and long process, but our experience today was the absolute best experience! Well worth the drive to Illinois. I would 100% recommend this dealership. Love my process, but our experience today was the absolute best experience! Well worth the drive to Illinois. I would 100% recommend this dealership. Love my new to me Durango!! More
by malnicw
April 12, 2025
They were so friendly and helpful as my husband and I shopped for a truck. We found the perfect truck for us with Tim Border's help! Thank you all at Barkaus and Sons! shopped for a truck. We found the perfect truck for us with Tim Border's help! Thank you all at Barkaus and Sons! More
by timnjodyg
Employees Worked With
April 12, 2025
Tim was very helpful with the purchase of my new car! Great environment and people! Would definitely recommend to family and friends. Great environment and people! Would definitely recommend to family and friends. More
by sydneyf2120
April 10, 2025
Super happy with my new car! ! Tim is awesome and super helpful!! Definitely recommend him if you’re in the market for a new vehicle!! ! Tim is awesome and super helpful!! Definitely recommend him if you’re in the market for a new vehicle!! More
by angela.zavolokoff
Employees Worked With
April 08, 2025
As always the Barkau dealership came through again for me.Whatever the situation I present to them when I arrive is met with common courtesy and respect.Thank you Tim Border and the rest of the staff for me.Whatever the situation I present to them when I arrive is met with common courtesy and respect.Thank you Tim Border and the rest of the staff for making the transaction as painless as possible. More
by Humor19662003
April 04, 2025
Nils Sandstrom and the Barkau team were great to work with. Great selection of vehicles to pick from! with. Great selection of vehicles to pick from! More
by rainydaygirl122
Employees Worked With
April 03, 2025
Tim had helped our family before and theres a reason why he was reccomended to me. In an energency situation where i needed a vehicle within a day or 2, he found me a great deal at a good rate even with my he was reccomended to me. In an energency situation where i needed a vehicle within a day or 2, he found me a great deal at a good rate even with my limited credit. Cannot thank him and the people over there enough. More
by tylerjumbeck
