How we investigate.
We investigate 1-star and bad reviews of car dealers — then publish whether they're fair or not. This page explains what we examine, how we reach a verdict, and what each outcome means.
We investigate evidence
We don't take sides. We examine what the evidence shows — whether that supports the reviewer's complaint or suggests it isn't genuine.
We only investigate bad reviews
We investigate 1-star and low-rated reviews only. Good reviews are not assessed. We publish the original review alongside our verdict.
Everything is on record
Every investigation generates a permanent, publicly searchable record — methodology, findings, and our full reasoning. Nothing is hidden.
Methodology
What we examine.
Our methodology is consistent across every investigation. We don't cherry-pick indicators — we apply all of them and document what we find.
Reviewer history analysis
We examine the profile history of every reviewer — account age, review frequency, geographic spread, and cross-platform consistency. Accounts with no history outside a single dealership are a significant indicator.
Temporal pattern detection
Fake review campaigns often cluster in time — multiple 5-star reviews posted within hours or days of each other. We map posting timelines across a dealer's full review history to identify anomalous spikes.
Linguistic and structural analysis
We look for shared vocabulary, sentence structures, and phrasing patterns across reviews. Independently written reviews from different customers display natural variation. Coordinated ones often don't.
Cross-platform comparison
We examine a dealer's review profile across every platform they appear on. Disparities between platforms — or suspicious activity on one but not others — are evidentially relevant.
Response pattern analysis
We examine how a dealership has responded to reviews — particularly whether they respond differently to suspiciously positive reviews vs. critical ones. Response behaviour is part of the evidential picture.
Platform terms of service alignment
Every finding is mapped against the specific platform's terms of service and review integrity policies. Our submissions are written in the language platforms use internally, which improves uptake.
Outcomes
What each status means.
Every investigation concludes with one of three verdicts. Here's exactly what each one means — and what you should do with the information.
What it means
The bad review doesn't hold up to scrutiny. Evidence indicates the review is inaccurate, fabricated, or part of a coordinated negative campaign. No verified connection to a genuine customer experience.
Implication
If you saw this bad review on Google or Trustpilot and it worried you — our investigation suggests it shouldn't be taken at face value. Read our full reasoning before deciding.
What it means
The bad review appears genuine. The reviewer has an established account history, the complaint is specific and internally consistent, and there are no indicators of inauthenticity.
Implication
The bad review you found online has been independently assessed and appears to reflect a real customer experience. Factor this into your decision accordingly.
What it means
We investigated but couldn't gather enough evidence to make a confident determination either way. The review and our full investigation notes are published so buyers can make their own assessment.
Implication
We couldn't reach a verdict. The original review and everything we found is published — you have the same information we do. Use your judgement.
Buying a car? Check first.
Search any dealer's investigation record before you visit. See every bad review we've looked at — and what we found. Free, no account needed.