How RealGuide
Makes Money
Independent rankings. We may be paid when you buy through a partner. That never changes the order.
“Independent rankings. We may be paid when you buy through a partner. That never changes the order.”
RealGuide is free for Australian car buyers to use. To fund our data research, calculators, and AI tools without putting content behind a paywall, we earn revenue from vetted commercial partners when you choose to connect with them.
Who Pays Us
We work with four types of commercial partners in Australia. Every commercial touchpoint on the site is disclosed right next to the link or form.
Car Brokers & Buying Services
When you use a "Get my price" form and explicitly consent to share your details with a named car broker or buying service, we may receive a referral fee or a commission if you complete a vehicle purchase through them.
Novated Lease Providers
When you calculate novated lease figures and choose to request a quote from a disclosed novated leasing provider, we may be paid a referral or settlement fee if your lease goes ahead.
Licensed Finance, History & Inspection Partners
On our calculators and used-car tools, we may list licensed finance providers, vehicle history reports, or pre-purchase inspection services. Any paid link is labelled "Paid referral" or "Sponsored" and includes the provider’s Australian licence details where applicable.
Display Advertising
We may run clearly labelled "Sponsored" display placements on content pages. Display ads never appear inside AI advisor shortlists or side-by-side comparison tables.
How Our Rankings Stay Data-Only
There is a strict wall between how cars are ranked and how RealGuide is paid:
- ✓Our AI advisor and comparison tools score and order cars using specification data, Australian driveaway estimates, ANCAP safety ratings, running costs, warranty terms, and the preferences you select.
- ✓No car manufacturer, dealer group, broker, or finance company can pay to boost a car’s match score, alter a review rating, or insert a vehicle into your advisor shortlist.
- ✓RealGuide is not a credit provider or finance broker. Our AI and calculators never recommend a specific loan, lease, or insurance product — where licensed providers are shown, they are listed alphabetically with their licence number.
- ✓We never share your name, email, phone number, or postcode with a partner unless you tick an unticked consent checkbox that names that specific partner.
How to Complain or Report an Issue
If you believe a vehicle ranking, specification, commercial disclosure, or partner hand-off on RealGuide is inaccurate or did not follow the rules on this page, please let us know.
- Online form: Contact RealGuide
- Email: [email protected]
- Response time: We acknowledge complaints within 2 business days and aim to resolve all enquiries within 5 business days.
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