> Strange.  I've been leaving all my manual vehicles in 1st or reverse
> when parked and have been doing so without problems since the mid
> '50s.

i've always been taught to NOT leave it in gear, cause it puts strain
on the transmission (if parked on a hill) AND if some moron bumps your
car while getting in or out of the next parking space behind/before
you, it can seriously damage your transmission.

but then, i've also been taught to pull up the parking brake BEFORE
putting an automatic transmission into Park. :)

unca joel