Car Dealer

Dueystuey

Hi there. The other month I went to view a Car at a local Dealer with the view to buying (finance was sorted) and to test drive. Got to Garage as arranged. Car had moved from front of Forecourt to the side ready. Car Dealer son was there as he was away although he'd been messaging and ringing. 
Son went to get the Keys whilst I was looking around the Car. Opened the Car for me to look around. I went to Start the Car up Push button start. As I pressed the Start button and declutched the Car Shot backwards! Car had been left in Gear and No Handbrake on! 
The Car had a Towbar on so as it shot backwards it damaged another car parked behind it! On inspection with the Son looked like just the Number plate. So Son sold not to worry! Due to what happened plus a number of warning lights on the Dash I decided not to take Car out for a test drive. 
I decided over that weekend not to Buy the car due to various reasons. Told the Finance company then also the Dealer. For then the Dealer has turned around to tell me I will have to pay for the Damage on the other Car! He has sent me a bill for £250! Ive not admitted anything but now he is pursuing the Bill and tells me he has CCTV of the event also. He won't give me a straight answer to why was I not told the Car was in Gear and No Handbrake! 
Any help or advice is much appreciated 

daveyjp

Basic pre start check for any vehicle, especially one new to you.  Neutral and handbrake.  Pay the £250.

born_again

If it was declutched how did it move? Or did you have your foot on the brake.

TBH, as the person starting the car it was you responsibility to check.

Vitor

On a dealer’s forecourt, a customer is entitled to assume a car has been left in a safe state. The dealer had control of the vehicle and left it in gear with no handbrake, which is negligent. You did not move the car or release anything. Damage on a dealer’s forecourt is exactly what motor trade insurance is for. You have no contract and owe nothing. Deny liability in writing and tell them to refer it to their insurer.

powerful_Rogue

Vitor said:

On a dealer’s forecourt, a customer is entitled to assume a car has been left in a safe state. The dealer had control of the vehicle and left it in gear with no handbrake, which is negligent. You did not move the car or release anything. Damage on a dealer’s forecourt is exactly what motor trade insurance is for. You have no contract and owe nothing. Deny liability in writing and tell them to refer it to their insurer.

Never assume.

The OP did not do his checks before starting the car and as such caused damage to another vehicle. The OP was in control of the vehicle, not the garage. You don't need to have a contract to be pursued for damages.

Ayr_Rage

I think it is entirely your fault @Dueystuey, you did not complete the basic safety checks before pushing the start button of a vehicle under your control.

If you were a learner driver they may have told you to check but no way would I expect a dealer to do so if you have a licence, they would explain the features but not the basics of starting a car.

You were lucky it was only a vehicle that got damaged, time to pay up.

PS. No need to capitalise random words in your post.