>
> 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.

Huh. Must depend on the transmission. I had a '76 Pontiac Ventura when I was
in the Army that was "bumped" from behind on a hill by some Air Force dope
who let his car roll down into the back of mine one (probably drunken)
Saturday night. Mashed the bumper pretty good and left 18 inches of skidmark
where the rears dragged because it was in park. No damage that I could
discern. I was like the tenth owner of that car and from what I heard at
least three other penniless privates went on to drive that stinking heap...

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"
"Staubkess bolt? I have one of those?"