Looking to buy a car in Central Florida? Here's what you need to know to protect yourself

For the last year, Channel 9's Todd Ulrich has been keeping tabs on area car dealers and uncovered a pattern of complaints piling up, with victims suing over $700,000 in losses.

And for the car lots, it’s business as usual. No discipline. No fines.

Action 9 goes to the state agency in charge to ask for answers, and find out what you can do to protect yourself.

Jasmine Edwards told Channel 9 she felt betrayed by a dealer who sold her a Saturn SUV, claiming Top Service Auto Sales kept the vehicle and the $7,000 she paid.

Edwards was later able to sue in court to get her money back after she found out the vehicle had serious mechanical issues.

Channel 9 found that dealers with the most complaints faced few disciplinary actions, minimal fines and rarely lost their license.

Buyers can avoid the risk with questionable dealerships by getting an independent inspection before purchasing a used vehicle.

Cox Media Group