A sixth-gen Subaru Legacy adorned with the word “CH3ATER” written on its bodywork has been circulating on the internet, making several appearances on Boston’s roads. While many initially believed it was an act of vandalism by a betrayed lover, it has since been revealed that it was simply a Halloween costume for the car, created by its owner
The sedan gained internet fame last year after Only in Boston shared a photo of it on Instagram, showcasing the “CH3ATER” lettering on its side, fake blood, extra lights, and biohazard tape on the front bumper. While some commenters immediately recognized the Halloween connection, others jumped to conclusions, suggesting that the driver “deserved it” due to their alleged behavior towards their partner.
This year, the Subaru came back with a slightly improved “Cheater x2” livery making more online appearances and prompting local media to look into the backstory. Our colleagues at Boston.com spoke with the owner, Perry Sullivan, who is a student at Boston University. This explains the multiple sightings of the car inside or near the campus.
This year, the Subaru returned with a slightly enhanced “Cheater x2” livery, making more frequent appearances online and sparking the interest of local media, who delved into the backstory. Our colleagues at Boston.com had a conversation with the owner, Perry Sullivan, a Boston University student, shedding light on the multiple sightings of the car around the campus.
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Sullivan admitted that decorating his 2016 Subaru Legacy is one of his hobbies that began during the pandemic. According to the creative mind behind these modifications, the goal is “to have fun and do quirky things that bring smiles to people’s faces, especially after these past couple of years,” which have been “stressful” for everyone
Sullivan said he’s baffled by the notion that people might think he’d be nonchalantly cruising around the city if this were genuinely a case of vandalism by an ex-partner. Furthermore, he’s taken notice of certain internet users who appear concerned by the assumption that a woman painted the word “Cheater” without undertaking a comprehensive investigation.
According to the owner, the car-painting process was completed in just one day and cost approximately $200 for materials, including a generous quantity of red Plasti Dip for the fake blood and Goo Gone adhesive remover. Once Halloween passes, the Subaru returns to its original appearance, but it doesn’t stay that way for long, as the owner wraps it like a gift during the Christmas season.
Sullivan has shared photos of the “Cheater car” on his carspotting-themed Instagram account called @massmotors although he mostly keeps that for supercars and sportscars in the Boston area keeping a rather low online profile when it comes to his creations. However, a few weeks ago his ride ended up being posted on Reddit as someone spotted it parked with a pet bearded dragon locked inside. Thankfully, the incident had a happy ending and the animal is fine.
Lead image Massmotors / Paganiperry@instagram