has this ever been invented? if not someone should.

[ButterflyBlood]

a gas pump where you can set how much you want before you start pumping (either in gallons or dollars), and it stops when it reaches the limit, instead of you having to stop manually. that'd be so more convenient.

[arwalden]

1. The Poor-Man's Equivalent Would Be "Paying-In-Advance"

but you're right... that would be cool.

-- Allen

[Warpy]

2. Go to a newer station

Newer gas pumps alllow whoever you prepay to set the pump for that amount in dollars.

It's been invented, but the convenience store/gas station kiosk clerk is the one who sets it.

[CanuckAmok]

3. Most of the ones here have buttons on the side:

"$5", "$10", "$20", "$50" "Fill".

I wonder who selects "$5".

[ButterflyBlood]

4. I've gotten $5 worth or similar quite frequently

but I'm a college student and have the associated amount of money.

[Bertha Venation]

5. "I wonder who selects '$5'."

People who live hand-to-mouth, paycheck-to-paycheck. The working poor.

[CanuckAmok]

6. No offense...

It's just that where I live, you'd probably use $5 just to get to the nearest pumps.

[jmowreader]

8. Motorcycle riders

A Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic holds five gallons. A Honda Gold Wing holds 6.6. Show up at the pump with either of those and five bucks worth is about all that will fit, unless Bush did something to piss off the Arabs this week and you pushed the bike in.

[Bundbuster]

7. That would be me

I drive less than 2000 miles/year, and love to play the "almost empty" game. Plus, less weight to haul around.

[ConcernedCanuk]

9. Actually, I "live" off the TOP 10 bucks - always keep it nearly full

.
.
Three reasons, specially in Canada this time of year

1. Gas tanks kept "almost" empty rust out quicker, - (air, condensation, water, rust)

2. Traction, well for rear wheel drives anyway -

3. Safety: get stuck in a snowstorm at 20 below for 5 hours, U figure it!

And most of our self-serve stations have that feature, as well as "swipe" ur debit/credit cards right at the pump.