We know that for most of us, a car purchase is the second biggest investment we’re likely to ever make. Our aim is to provide accurate and informative news, reviews and advice, which are independent of advertisers or vehicle brands, to help you make the right choices when buying and selling cars.
Our team of journalists strives to deliver objective vehicle assessment, with review scores based on suitability for intended function and comparison with other vehicles on the market.
We also respect the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics.
Our relationship with vehicle brands
The vehicles our journalists use for evaluation are generally provided directly by the respective brands. Often our journalists attend events as a guest of vehicle brands or suppliers, with travel, accommodation and meals also generally provided. Where this is the case, it has been disclosed in our content from 2019 onwards.
Advertising policy
As a business, we rely on advertisers, but these advertisers do not have an influence over our news, reviews or advice. When we produce content and there is commercial interest, we do not conceal this relationship.
If you’d like to advertise with CarsGuide, contact us here. These are the specific guidelines we follow for the types of advertising we accept:
1. We review the ads
We maintain sole discretion for determining the types of ads that will be accepted and displayed on CarsGuide properties. We reserve the right to reject, cancel or remove any ads at any time and for any reason. We will provide prompt notice to the advertiser upon rejection, cancellation, or removal of any ad, along with an explanation. We also reserve the right to determine the appropriate placement of ads on CarsGuide properties.
2. We don’t endorse any advertised products or services
Although products may appear on our site in the form of advertisements, under no circumstances shall our acceptance of any ad be considered an endorsement of the product(s) and/or service(s) advertised, or for the company that manufactures, distributes or promotes these product(s) or service(s). In some cases, CarsGuide’s Editorial team may rate or rank certain products or services. These ratings or rankings are determined solely by the Editorial team without regard to any financial or advertising relationship that may exist with companies that provide the product or services.
3. We will not accept certain types of ads
We will not accept any ad that is factually inaccurate and/or, in our opinion, in poor taste. CarsGuide will not permit, at any time, the placement of any ad for harmful, illegal or objectionable products or services. Ads must not contain fraudulent, deceptive or offensive material, including material that misrepresents, ridicules or attacks an individual or group on the basis of age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or disability. Ads should not contain defamatory, libellous, slanderous or threatening information. Ads must not be related to alcohol, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, gambling, pornography, tobacco, political campaigns or the simulation of news or an emergency. All ads must clearly identify the advertiser. Any ad that could be misconstrued as Editorial content will be clearly labelled as an advertisement.
4. We clearly distinguish ads from Editorial content
In every instance, we maintain a distinct separation between advertisements and Editorial content. All ads on CarsGuide properties are clearly and unambiguously identified as such. Clicking on an ad will take the user to an advertiser’s website.
5. We clearly label sponsored content
If any content has been paid for or has been sponsored by a third party, we will be up front in identifying it as such. ‘Sponsored by’ is used to describe such content, which has received paid sponsorship by a third party. While the third-party sponsor may provide suggestions regarding the content they sponsor, CarsGuide is not obliged to accept any suggestions provided by the third-party sponsor. The third party sponsor is also not shown a copy of the content for prior approval.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us directly here.
