I'll let you know this summer when it's time for my first fill-up. I voted "never" because that's the plan.
Guess I will be the first to admit it. I have accidentally left the car on while filling up. I think it has only happened 2 times in 2 1/2 years. I was too busy looking for my cell phone under the front seat. I kid, I kid!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(micheal @ May 15 2007, 11:47 AM) [snapback]442611[/snapback]</div> Ditto. It has happened several times. However, it's happened many many more times when I wasn't pumping gas. It's too easy to hit the Power button and not notice it wasn't hard enough. I always press Park first though. In the cases where I haven't powered off, at least the beeper tells me when I get out and close the door. That's in my drive or garage where it's quiet enough to hear the beeper. In a gas station, it's not always that quiet. Dave M.
Phantom Load - makes absolutely no sense to maintain a phantom load. We turn things off when they are not in use - television, radio, washing machine, lawn mower, computer, lighting, etc. Makes no sense whatever to expend energy when not needed. A major attribute of Prius is that it does not idle at a stop, the ICE only runs when needed. Why flaunt the obvious?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skruse @ May 15 2007, 04:05 PM) [snapback]442775[/snapback]</div> Phantom loads are on in the prius whether on or off unless you disconnect the 12 volt batt. it will keep everything on that needs to be on phantom style I have left mine on by mistake but I dont make it a habit either, as for passengers just knocking it into gear they would have to try if they hit it by accident it would hit nuetral, so watch your toes or better put on that parking brake before you get out, that should be a better habit to have.
Why wouldn't you turn the car off just to be certain that the unexpected doesn't happen? Personally I don't find pushing a button to be that much of an inconvenience.