Man Crashes His Subaru Outback Which He Called a "Lemon" Through the Front Door of a Mazda Dealer After They Told Him It Was Sold “As Is”
Take it back, or I'll drive it through the front door.
Here is an unbelievable story of a disgruntled customer who purchased a used Subaru Outback, claiming there were mechanical issues with the all-wheel-drive wagon, and wanted to return the vehicle. The dealer's response that it was sold "as is" only added to his frustration.
This is when it went downhill fast.
The angry customer returned the Subaru Outback to Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne in Sandy, Utah, by crashing it into the dealer's front door.
A report from Fox 13 News says, "A man was arrested after police say he intentionally crashed a car he recently bought into the storefront of a dealership in Sandy."
According to Sandy Police, Michael Murray bought a car from Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne on Monday morning. In videos sent to FOX 13 News, the vehicle was an older Subaru Outback. Check out the incredible footage below.
NEW: Utah man drives his car through the front of a Mazda dealership just hours after purchasing the car from the same dealership.
The incident happened in Sandy, Utah, after the man was told he couldn’t return the car.
The man told the dealership that he would drive the car… pic.twitter.com/nNASSjOw0y
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 10, 2024
The report says hours later, Murray, 35, reportedly discovered what he believed were mechanical issues with the car 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 allegedly threatened to drive 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.
According to the arrest report, there were "about seven salesmen near the front door when Murray drove through, but nobody was injured during the incident, although the dealership suffered an estimated $10,000 in damages."
Murray's actions led to serious consequences. He was booked into jail and now faces charges of felony criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.
Fox 13 News interviewed Aylin Hernandez, who works at the Mazda dealership and was grateful she was not there Monday.
"What would've happened? Who knows — it could've been fatal. He came back, but with rage, and without thinking, he just acted out on rage."
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."
The Utah Lemon Law would not cover this Subaru Outback. This is why it is essential to know about the different types of auto-dealer warranties and have the vehicle checked out by a certified technician before purchasing any used vehicle.
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. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your experience. Your story could help others navigate the complex world of used car sales.
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 Fox 13 News