J.H. Barkau & Sons

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Kylie Gilmore
a month ago
I found myself looking for a car and my dad, who works with Barkau at his bank, sent me here to get a used car. I found a 2019 Ecosport with 19k miles on it!!! Plus they gave me a good price on top of the amazing rate First Community Credit Union had in partnership with them.Coey, Louis, Matt and the whole team are kind and knowledge. No time was wasted and I got to play with a dog during my wait!!

  Katie Fraidy
2 weeks ago
I was originally very happy with my purchase of my 2012 Fiat POP from Barkau DJR of Freeport and had a pleasant buying experience, however four months after purchasing the vehicle, the entire breaking system failed and I almost had an accident. Apparently the repairs team at Barkau did not go over the vehicle carefully enough to insure that the pads, calipers, rotors etc. were all in good condition before they sold it, so I ended up with a $1000 car repair after owning the vehicle only 4 months. I have talked to Pete the manager and Jim the owner and they did not seem to care one bit saying that the car was fine when they sold it and that the calipers and parts must have all been warn out by me after four months of driving (I hardly drive anywhere), which is highly unlikely that a car would wear down that much unless they sold it that way to begin with. Nevertheless, they are not willing to take any responsibility. The entire break system should not have failed four months after purchase. I would highly advise that you have your own mechanic inspect if you are going to purchase a vehicle from them because they don't do a good job inspecting their own vehicles before sale. I'm sure they will come up with a very clever response to this review, but there is no excuse for selling vehicles that haven't been carefully inspected or repaired before selling and then passing the blame and the cost to the customer, not to mention putting their safety in jeopardy.

  Christina Nelson
6 months ago
This is by far THE BEST car-buying experience we've had! Brendon was so considerate and even tested the seating capacity in vehicles to ensure our extra tall teenager would be comfortable. He was extremely helpful in starting the finance process for us before we arrived so that our time was well-spent and our purchase went smoothly. The sales manager Adam Sherman worked with our credit history (or lack thereof) to negotiate a great interest rate that ensures our payments are reasonable. We are so thankful for the professionalism and courtesy we experienced at Barkau! Definitely recommend!!!

  James R.
7 months ago
After being involved in an accident I needed to replace my vehicle. Where as other dealerships and salesmen tried to pressure me into buying something I didn't want, or didn't listen to what I was looking to buy, Brendon M. was attentive and willing to work with me. We showed up about an hour before close on a Friday, he stayed while we test drove vehicles and helped me look at other locations to find vehicles that fit my criteria. Even after I found the vehicle I wanted, there was an issue with my pre-approved Financing. Barkau & Sons worked with me to find new financing with better rates than I had.The dealership is good, but Brendon makes it great. If you are in the Freeport area looking for a vehicle, you can't do better than Brendon at Barkau & Sons.

  Mati Lee
8 months ago
Buyer beware- I was there as a co-signer. We did not purchase a car and I SPECIFICALLY stated to only run my credit once, with one lender. 8 hits and -50 points later on my credit.. they ran it with multiple places even after I stated not to. We were there 2 days ago and my credit is still getting hit with new inquiries today. Save your credit score and walk in with financing already secured. Do better gentleman, do better.

  Jerry Rulejr
a year ago
Just bought this 2016 Chevy Malibu, absolutely love it, thank you to Korey and the entire team at JH Barkau, thank you for making the car buying experience stress free

  J Smice
6 months ago
Very happy with our experience here. Friendly and helpful people. Met Mr Barkau himself!!! Very nice! Would strongly recommend buying a new or used vehicle here!!

  Carol Sander
3 years ago
I found what I wanted, and was satisfied with the offer, we drove home yesterday in my new Used Car...that has all the bells and whistles. Thank you Zach, good luck following your dreams in sales...you did OK by me.

  Brant Rinderman
8 months ago
Was interested in an 08 trail blazer from freeport barkau. Hozay was the salesman, they said no one would finance a 7000 dollar vehicle unless I had 3000 down, so then they said but you can do 500 down and get a 2011instead. Trying to get more comission out of me and make more payments . I JUST WANTED THAT VEHICLE. Dont GO THERE BAD BUSINESS MEN.

  Cleta Gilmore
a year ago
I bought a used Dodge Journey in August of 2022. My reviews are not good, nor have a had a good relationship! The day I bought my Journey I didn't even get home and had to take it back due to a clunk in the rear-end. They had to repair the rear differential. That was all great, then I had oil leaks. They repaired 2 oil leaks (one in the oil pan & one in the differential. It didn't stop there. Another leak in the transmission pan. I still have a leak and now was told it is in the oil coolant. They will not fix this!! I also told them I have noise in the front end they won't look at or will at the cost of $125 just to look at it. I have made 3 payments with all these issues. They never offered me an extended warranty at the time of purchase! This vehicle has less than 70,000 miles on it! I was told this was a rental vehicle and was bought at an auction (not by the dealership.) I paid over $20,000 for this vehicle and I'm left with many repairs that I will need to pay to have fixed!! I will never recommend anyone to Barkau & Sons, as their customer is the worst!!

  A D
a year ago
I've bought a lot of cars through dealerships and dread it like most people, but these guys were top notch. Good deals and quick service. Would def do business with them again!!

  Matt DeVore
a year ago
Bought a 2015 nissan altima, transmission didn't last 6 months. knocking starting @ 300 mi after purchase. Corrosive and exposed rust all over the car, including places that I couldn't see without lifting the hood and found cigaret buds in my air filter. Extended warranty person was extremely intimidating and forceful. Simple buying process. Not a fan, buy with caution!! You've been warned...

  Thedford Jackson
a year ago
My family have purchase all our vehicles for Barkau and recently we just bought a 2014 Cadillac SUV from sale consultant Brendon Mayor. Brendon was knowledgeable of the vehicle and made our experience comfortable. What an awesome young man.

  Mike Wierzycki
2 years ago
I had a great experience at J.H. Barkau & Sons. Quick and painless this dealership makes the process easy. I would definitely recommend Brendon. Not only did we get a great deal, he was very easy to work with and made the process simple and fast. I highly recommend this dealership.

  Jessica Torrisi
a year ago
Absolutel 100 percent satisfaction with the entirety of the service we received here today! Would recommend!!!Everyone we spoke with was kind, patient and in tune to my needs as the customer from the first call to leaving with a vehicle! Thanks guys!

  Ashley Van Barriger
3 years ago
Eric was an absolute saint at helping me through my car buying process. He went above and beyond to make sure I found the perfect car for my needs! I highly recommend Eric and the Barkau team if you re shopping for new or used. Their goal is to make sure you are 100% satisfied! Thanks Eric!!

  Jamie Behmer
3 years ago
I Google reviewed this dealership four years ago under the name "Jamie Hartman", and four years later they finally post a response to my one star review asking to contact them so they can "earn back my business" all while apologizing for a negative experience I had FOUR years ago. Too little too late, especially considering the owner called me four years ago after I posted my review to say he saw it and that I should take my business elsewhere. Well, I did just that. My husband and I bought a new van and a car simultaneously three years ago from NAPLETON in Rockford. We had a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend them. I would never waste time or money at Barkau; there's absolutely nothing that would convince me otherwise or change my mind on how I was treated by them four years ago. We will always buy our vehicles from NAPLETON.

  Sean Stichter
5 months ago
Best of the bestRhett, Jose, and Pete you guys are amazing at what you do! Thanks for making the day!

  Pamela Buse
9 years ago
Excellent help "without" the pushy salesPat Gillespie was the best auto representative I have dealt with. He was knowledgeable and respectful taking the time to answer questions with a quick reply. His sense of humor and friendly demeanor make you feel comfortable. Since I took two months to decide on my vehicle he should get a Patience Award! Extremely happy with this dealer.

  Jim Torrisi
10 years ago
Having purchased 9 of our last 10 vehicles in our family from Barkau, it was a no brainer to utilize their amazing staff and great selection for the purchase of our Jeep Wrangler. As always we were treated like family and not one detail was left off the table not only in ensuring it was the right purchase for us, but helping to ensure we were getting the best trade in allowance and value overall. Pat was absolutely a pillar in getting all of the pieces in place and we are truly thankful to him and the entire Barkau staff for all of their help!Thank you Barkau for everything and we look forward to seeing you soon!!Jim, Lisa, Cassie & Emily

  Rikki Perrin
11 years ago
Extremely satisfied!! I fell in love with my new vehicle as soon as I drove it off the lot for a test drive! Pat was an awesome person to work with and very helpful! I would highly recommend that if anyone is looking for a vehicle...check out Barkau's great selection and their friendly and courteous staff.

  Josh Libby
5 years ago
The only time I have ever left a dealership feeling good about the deal! Absolutely amazing people who want you to find your perfect vehicle, at a good price, and truly care about the community their servicing! Next time I won't be looking elsewhere!

  Colleen Howard
a year ago
Out of town purchase. The truck was exactly as advertised. Fast, friendly service. Added perk, the assistant salesman, Winston, was awesome to work with :).

  Jamie Hartman
7 years ago
A DEALERSHIP LACKING INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM. I bought my vehicle in February and have had nothing but problems since. Less than 12 hours after buying, the service engine light came on. I've had to have it serviced four times now, and the problem still has not been remedied. I'm a single mom, and taking the vehicle to the service center takes time as I do not live in Cedarville. I also have to work around my work schedule and my children's school schedules to take my car to be serviced regularly. After taking my car to the service center most recently, my service engine light came on again. I called about it, and received a call back from the dealership. The man that called me said "We feel that you are unhappy with your service and we think you should take your vehicle somewhere else to be serviced". Prime example of what you do not do in customer service: tell the customer it isn't your problem anymore and to go somewhere else. I guarantee that if I were a male, no dealership would have called me to tell me to go somewhere else. This dealership discriminates based on gender. Completely unprofessional customer service and absolutely zero integrity. The customer is always right, and if they are unhappy, you do whatever it takes to make them happy. I would have been happy if they would have just fixed the ongoing problem with my vehicle.

  Blythe Keister
a year ago
Nils Sandstrom went above and beyond to make the car buying process easier for me. I would recommend this dealership to anyone looking for people who will go above and beyond to please you. Thanks again to everyone who helped out, you guys are the best!!

  D Brown
6 years ago
You have a nice selection of vehicles. There cleaned up so good that you look at them even if your not interested in that type of vehicle. The Buick I'm driving came off your lot aleast 13 years ago and has not needed much maintenance. I really haven't heard anyone say anything bad about you.

  Matt Acevedo
8 years ago
Well now we know we will never buy another vehicle from Barkau Automotive...bought a Chevy aveo used through them 2 years ago, paid to have it fixed through them 4 or 5 times (2700$ on an aveo)...which is what the car is worth now...they still have not fixed the problem nor will they offer to fix it without us having to pay for it...then they try to offer us a deal that's ridiculous on a trade in...I suggest from my experience you never use them and anyone I know I will suggest to stay away as well. I will say that their salesmen we excellent and kind, not pushy at all.

  AJ Branson
5 years ago
My experience was all positive. James Jupin was great; he was helpful and not pushy. Every question or concern was answered, no shady business. He was very easy to work with and knowledgeable.The finance guy, I can't remember his name worked out a good deal with affordable payments, explained everything I was signing.The owner introduced himself and said thank you for buying a car, which gives a personal touch to show that he appreciates the customer. Im going to be enjoying my 2017 Kia.

  Susie Reichard
5 years ago
I grew up in a small town where the car dealership was your neighbor and your friend. Since leaving home this is the first time where I was made to feel like that with a car dealership. Honest and up front about everything and answering all my questions. Dealing with Pat at the Freeport store and everyone at "the shop" was such a positive experience! It is an hour drive from my home and I will travel that far again for my next used car.

  John Hattula
2 years ago
I would just like to say Brendon Mayor and all the people who made it happen i,am very happy with my new car, thanks so much and Brendon needs salesman of the month. Your truly John Hattula