Cruise Control

[WhipLash]

Considering the traffic encountered on our roads, I can't imagine much use for it here in Ireland, even on long journeys.

Has anyone ever owned a car with cruise control? Did you get to use it much? Is it a useful extra or a waste of time - even as a standard feature??

[BeCos]

Yes the Pajero 2.8 that I had a few years ago, and the 5 Series I drove for a while both had it.

I actually used it nearly every journey believe it or not. I reckon I used it for the novelty and to see if it was possible NOT to get p1ssed off by it.

It works and it's pretty cool, though you'd never NEED it over here and with an automatic car your half way there anyway.

In Canada last year I drove from one side to the other and it was switched ON most of the time and quite useful, although mainly because it stopped me speeding. (My right foot has a tendency to get extremely heavy in a short space of time)

[Anders]

My RX-7 has cruise. I used the cruise as I drove through England a while back. I was bumming down the N11 a couple of months back and decided to set the speed with the cruise control. For some reason or another I couldn't get it set so the car decelerated for a while. As I looked up I spotted a very disappointed Garda with his laser gun.

[Justin]

I don't have cruise, but I have a little bong device that goes off when you hit a set speed, just to remind you. Interestingly, it is possible to set this device at 200mph.

But is it any use at all over here, when even long jpurneys are broken up with intervals of terrible roads and non bypasses full of Limerick. And 4x4's of course

[Anders]

Is it of any use in Ireland? No, not really. There's not enough dual-carriageway, stretches of empty road, and/or roads where you can safely keep the same speed. I think I have used it a handful number of times, and mostly when I first got the car as it was a novelty. But as it's not a very expensive option on most cars I would argue that it's probably worth getting if you're planning to do any longer trips with the car in other countries. I'm pretty sure my upcoming BMW has cruise control as part of the multi-function steering wheel option I have picked.