Angry Subaru Buyer Smashes Car Through Dealership Window After Refund Request Denied

A Utah man was arrested after ramming his car into a dealership’s storefront on the same day he purchased it, following a heated dispute over an alleged mechanical defect.

Michael Lee Murray, 35, bought a used Subaru Outback from Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne in Sandy, Utah, for $4,000 on Monday morning. Shortly after driving away, Murray claimed he discovered the car had mechanical issues, prompting him to return to the dealership for a refund.

Michael Lee Murray was seen smashing his car into the storefront of a dealership he had bought it from earlier that day. @CollinRugg/X

According to the dealership, the car was sold “as is,” and management informed Murray that a refund was impossible. Manager Tyler Slade stated that the dealership had made it clear before the sale that the vehicle required additional work. “We were clear that this car is not retail,” Slade explained. It’s going to need more inspecting and some work.”

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

Frustrated by the denial, Murray allegedly threatened to drive the car through the dealership if his money was not returned. “We’re like, ‘Whoa, we don’t need to do that. Sit down, we can figure this out, we can find a solution,’” Slade recalled.

Murray, 35, bought a used Subaru Outback from the Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne car dealership in Sandy, Utah. @CollinRugg/X

Moments later, Murray followed through on his threat. He drove the Subaru directly into the dealership’s glass doors, shattering them and damaging a desk. A video recorded at the scene shows Murray exiting the vehicle amid the wreckage, yelling, “I told you, mother–kers! I told you!” He removed his jacket and left the building through the destroyed entrance.

Murray is seen yelling after driving the car directly through the dealership’s glass doors and taking out a desk. @CollinRugg/X

Employees quickly turned off the Subaru’s engine and called the police. During the incident, about seven staff members were unharmed near the front entrance.

“I was just outside the building, but the noise, you can imagine, was a big bang and a lot of scrambling employees,” Slade told Fox 13 News.

A disgruntled-looking Murray was arrested outside the dealership. Fox 13

The dealership suffered an estimated $10,000 in damages. Slade revealed that, contrary to Murray’s claims, the dealership had offered him either a refund or a replacement vehicle shortly before the crash.

Murray was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and economic interruption. He was released from jail on Tuesday.

In an interview with Inside Edition after his release, Murray expressed regret for his actions, explaining that his anger over the situation caused him to reach his “breaking point.”

Murray caused the dealership an estimated $10,000 in damages. Inside Edition

“I was just really angry, upset about my money,” Murray said. “I just kind of blacked out for a second.” He admitted he “probably” shouldn’t have driven the car through the dealership, adding, “I guess I just hit a breaking point.”

No injuries were reported despite the damage and disruption, and the dealership has resumed normal operations.