Angry Subaru Outback Owner Who Crashed His Car Though the Front Door Of a Car Dealer Says, “I Hit a Breaking Point, I Kind of Blacked Out For a Second”

The unbelievable story of a disgruntled customer who crashed his used Subaru Outback through the front door of the car dealer where he purchased it continues. Michael Murray says he blacked out for a second, and the story continues.

Here is an example of how not to handle a used car dispute with the dealer where you purchased it. 

I reported earlier that Michael Murray was arrested after police said he intentionally crashed his Subaru Outback he bought into the storefront of a dealership in Sandy, Utah. I have been following the story and found more information as I was looking in my Automotive News online magazine. The story continues.

A report from Automotive News says,

"Murray discovered what he believed were mechanical issues with the car he purchased for $4,000 and went back to the dealership hoping to return the vehicle, which he called a "lemon." However, Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne management said they would not take the car back as it was sold "as is."

"Murray threatened to drive the used Subaru Outback through the dealership's front door if they wouldn't give him his money back, and then shortly after 4 p.m., he "did exactly that," police said.

Now, Murray Has Been Indicted on Felony Property Damage

The report says Michael Murray, who crashed his Outback through the front doors of a Mazda dealership, has been indicted on felony property damage, misdemeanor reckless endangerment, and economic disruption charges.

Murray was captured on video driving the Outback through the front doors of the dealership. "He then got out of the vehicle, yelled, "I told you," among other things, to those inside, threw his jacket on the ground, and left the store. He returned a few moments later to see if anyone was under the vehicle, then grabbed his coat and left," the report says.

Check out the shocking Inside Edition video.

According to the affidavit, the AN report says Murray was arrested later that day in the parking lot of the Mazda dealer. Murray told the television show "Inside Edition" that he "kind of blacked out for a second" during the incident. 

Michael Murray says in the Inside Edition interview, "I was just really angry and upset about my money. I kind of blacked out for a second. I know that I probably shouldn't have done it, but I guess I hit a breaking point." 

The damage to the Utah car dealer cost more than $85,000, according to the indictment, and caused it to close for several days for repairs. 

The Dealer Offered to Give the Disgruntled Customer a Refund

The initial report did not mention that the dealer offered Murray a refund. The Mazda dealer now says they offered Murray a refund before he crashed the Subaru Outback through the front door. 

"There was no reasoning with his emotional state at the time of the incident," Slade said. "As Murray said, he blacked out. We are very thankful nobody was hurt."

Because the property damage to the dealer exceeded $5,000, Murray is facing second-degree felony charges and could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined up to $10,000, according to the Utah State Courts. 

He is also charged with a class A misdemeanor and could spend up to 364 days in jail and fined up to $2,500.

The report says a warrant for Murray's arrest was issued on January 30 with $10,000 bail. A no-bail warrant was included in the indictment, citing evidence of Murray being a danger to the community.

What Should You Do If You Have a Dispute With A Car Dealer?

First, Murray should have accepted a refund from the Mazda dealer. However, the dealer did not say how much the refund would be. 

If you can't agree on a suitable solution, customers can take steps to resolve the dispute. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says,

• Contact the dealer directly: Reach out to the dealership's management, like the general manager, and clearly explain your issue. 
• Gather documentation: Collect all relevant paperwork related to the car purchase, including contracts, invoices, and any correspondence with the dealer. 
• File a complaint with state agencies: Depending on the issue, consider filing a complaint with your state's Attorney General's office or the consumer protection agency. 
• Report to the Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint with the BBB to document your issue and potentially leverage their mediation services. 
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): If the dispute involves deceptive practices or false advertising, consider contacting the FTC. 
• Consult a lawyer: If the issue is complex or the dealer is not cooperating, seek legal advice from an attorney specializing in consumer law. 

What Is An "As Is" Car Sale?

 According to LemonLawCar, they say, "In an "as is" car sale, the buyer typically purchases a used vehicle in its current condition regardless of its known and unknown damages and defects. Often when a buyer purchases a used vehicle in an "as is" car sale, the buyer forfeits their right to complain if there are any issues with the vehicle unless the seller gives the buyer a warranty that covers the car." 

"Vehicles sold "as is" are typically sold without any type of warranty. Because of this, many people use the term "as is" alongside the phrase "no warranty." If the buyer purchases the vehicle without any express or written warranty, the buyer may not have a legal recourse to receive compensation for repairing or replacing their vehicle."

Final Thoughts and Questions For You

Obviously, Michael Murray handled this Subaru Outback dispute as wrongly as anyone could have. He now faces felony charges and will likely serve time in jail. The fines and court costs could be more than he paid ($4,000) for the Outback. 

It's Your Turn

Have you ever purchased a used car 'as is' and later found it had mechanical issues? If so, we'd like to hear from you. Your story could help others navigate the complex world of used car sales. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your experience.

Check out my story titled; My 2025 Ford Explorer Won’t Start 3,000 Miles In, After Two Weeks the Dealer Still Doesn’t Know What’s Wrong, Should I Keep It Until They Lemon Law It?

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via YouTube video