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J H Barkau & Sons Cedarville
Cedarville, IL
1,387 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 1,387 reviews
April 23, 2026
I had an outstanding experience purchasing my Jeep. My salesperson Tim Bordner went above and beyond from the moment I walked in. He was patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about helping me fin My salesperson Tim Bordner went above and beyond from the moment I walked in. He was patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about helping me find the right vehicle. He took the time to explain every feature, answered all my questions, and never made me feel pressured. The Jeep is perfect for me, the entire process was smooth and stress‑free thanks to him. I highly recommend working with him if you’re looking for a great experience.” Thank you Tim More
by Sherrie2075
April 22, 2026
Nils was great to work with and showed my daughter the vehicle and all the ins and outs. He was very pleasant to work with! vehicle and all the ins and outs. He was very pleasant to work with! More
by nicholehammer0119
Employees Worked With
April 21, 2026
Always have convidence in working with this family oriented business. Never feel pressured or pushed to make a decision. Nils is very friendly and informative. We felt very comfortable working with hi oriented business. Never feel pressured or pushed to make a decision. Nils is very friendly and informative. We felt very comfortable working with him, as we have in the past. We reminisced and enjoyed a nice visit with Mr. Jim Barkau while we were there. More
by rb8479
April 18, 2026
Nils was absolutely wonderful. He listened to exactly what Dad wanted and made it happen. Jim Barkau and the finance department helped tremendously since it was a special situatio He listened to exactly what Dad wanted and made it happen. Jim Barkau and the finance department helped tremendously since it was a special situation. Since Dad's last vehicle was hit by a deer and not everything had been paid off be insurance it was kind of messy situation. They made things happen so Dad could get a nice vehicle and get back on the road. Thank you to them for being someone you can count on. More
by Amy B.
Employees Worked With
April 17, 2026
Sent spouse in with trade in to check car out and drive. I was working then came in on Monday so I can finish the deal after test drive. So far so good I was working then came in on Monday so I can finish the deal after test drive. So far so good More
by Korfsusan
April 15, 2026
Jose was friendly right from the start. He showed us a vehicle that he thought we’d like, & we immediately loved it! This was by far the easiest and best vehicle purchase I have ever made He showed us a vehicle that he thought we’d like, & we immediately loved it! This was by far the easiest and best vehicle purchase I have ever made in my life!💜 More
by Vicki Johnson
Employees Worked With
April 11, 2026
This was by far the best car buying experience I've ever had. I left loving my new vehicle and for the first time actually felt good about the deal we got. Tim and his team listened to our needs and worked had. I left loving my new vehicle and for the first time actually felt good about the deal we got. Tim and his team listened to our needs and worked with us to get a great deal. There was great communication, they were patient while I compared vehicles and the buying process was so fast and easy! Thank you again! I'll definitely be back 😊 More
by Nicole G
April 10, 2026
A great place, great guy, great service, loving our truck!! We have used Barkau's for years & never been disappointed! They back up their cars, trucks & services. Big thank you to Nils Sandstrom for hi truck!! We have used Barkau's for years & never been disappointed! They back up their cars, trucks & services. Big thank you to Nils Sandstrom for his expertise for friends & family alike. More
by daslpn95
April 10, 2026
Nils did an awesome job of suggesting multiple options for cars. Luckily he suggested the car I bought, which was not the one I thought Id buy. Thanks Nil and Barkau for making it an easy buying experienc for cars. Luckily he suggested the car I bought, which was not the one I thought Id buy. Thanks Nil and Barkau for making it an easy buying experience. More
by nick@sixpointservices.com
Employees Worked With
April 05, 2026
Nils and Lois were fantastic to work with on upgrading my Jeep Cherokee! The trade process was smooth and Nils made sure I was set up well to take home the new Jeep the same day. Extra bonus to receive a per Jeep Cherokee! The trade process was smooth and Nils made sure I was set up well to take home the new Jeep the same day. Extra bonus to receive a personal thank you from Jim! More
by stacy.lieb
Employees Worked With
