Motorway driving vs City driving – All you need to know

What’s the difference between motorway and city miles?

Also often discussed as town mileage vs country mileage, there is a difference between the two on how it affects a vehicle. So, is motorway driving bad for your car? You’d be forgiven for asking this question. After all, it would be easy to assume motorway driving is worse for a vehicle than city driving, what with the greater miles and higher speeds.

However, the opposite is actually true. That’s why dealers or private seller sometimes try to sell a car with it advertised as having ‘only driven motorway miles.’ Wait, so are motorway miles better for a car?

Yes, they are! That’s because motorway miles are actually easier on a vehicle. Gathering miles on the motorway is better for a car than doing the same miles in the city. And when you break it down, it becomes clear why that’s the case – which we’ll come to in just a moment. Firstly, though…

Best cars for motorway driving – diesel vs petrol vs hybrid vs electric

The best cars for motorway driving offer good fuel efficiency, high levels of comfort whilst driving, and a quiet cabin. But, what’s the best type of car for motorway driving? Diesel, petrol, hybrid, or electric? Good question. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each type.

Diesel cars

Whilst diesel cars are more expensive upfront and the fuel more costly, diesel engines typically last longer than their petrol counterparts. Although, fewer new diesels are being launched and older diesels can emit high levels of dangerous nitrogen oxides, new diesel cars have cleaned up their act to meet emission standards.

+ Diesel cars offer the best fuel economy and miles per gallon on the motorway and long journeys

+ Large cars benefit from diesel engines, which are great for towing with the high levels of torque

– Diesel cars can be less reliable than petrol vehicles, hybrids, and electrics

Petrol cars

Petrol cars are cheaper to buy than their diesel, hybrid, and electric counterparts. They’re also cheaper to insure compared to diesels. Plus, it’s the most common fuel type, meaning there’s a wide choice of used cars available.

+ Petrol cars are often quieter and more refined on the motorway than diesels

+ Petrol vehicles can be cheaper to repair compared to diesel ones

– Petrol cars use more fuel compared to diesels, meaning long-distance driving can be more expensive

Hybrid cars

Hybrid cars can be said to provide the best of both worlds: they offer low-running costs when driving in the city, yet they’re also comfortable driving long-distances on motorways. On top of that:

+ They are the most fuel efficient for driving equally between motorways and cities

+ They can be cheaper to run and more eco-friendly than diesel and petrol cars

– Hybrid vehicles are generally more expensive to buy

Electric cars

Electric cars have come a long way in recent years. And their success continues to grow, as does the roster of electric vehicles (EVs). They’re getting better all the time too, with longer range and greater performance. And more and more leading marques are jumping on the all-electric bandwagon. And we think that’s brilliant. After all, EVs:

+ Offer very low-running costs, a very quiet ride, and impressive acceleration times

+ Are environmentally friendly, producing zero exhaust emissions

– However, EV driving range can still be an issue or a concern to long-distance drivers

So, which is best petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric?

As with all things considered best in driving, it usually depends on your needs, your car requirements, and what you want. Hopefully, this little face-off between the different types will give you some food for thought and help you make the decision that is right for you.

Bear in mind: the combustion engine is being phased out to lower carbon emissions. New petrol and diesel cars and vans are set to be banned from sale in 2030 in the UK, with new hybrids following in 2035. However, second-hand vehicles will be exempt from the ban, allowing sales to continue on the used car market. Nonetheless, it’s an important factor to consider as in the long term the combustion engine will no longer be an option for new buyers.

Top 10 cars for motorway driving

Spacious, quiet, and comfortable, these fuel-efficient steady cruisers are able to eat those motorway miles with ease… Why, it’s our top 10 cars for motorway driving of course:

1. Tesla Model 3
2. Skoda Octavia
3. Hyundai i30
4. BMW 5 Series
5. Jaguar XF
6. Citroen C3
7. Volvo S60
8. Ford Mondeo
9. Volkswagen Arteon
10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Are you a professional who does an equal share of city and motorway driving? Then check out our best executive cars for commuting – they project a strong image in the city and are great on the motorway.

Why motorway miles are better than city miles

Now we know more about motorway driving and city driving – as well as the best cars for each – let’s move on. It’s time to answer the big question – Why are motorway miles better than city miles?

With city driving, the roads are often not as well kept as the motorway, with potential damage from potholes and more wear on the suspension. In addition, you’ll hit rush hour traffic queues, speed bumps, lots of stopping and starting at traffic lights, and you’ll be using the brakes more too. That means you’ll be shifting gears more often as well. Naturally, all these aspects have an impact on car performance. Because of these reasons, city driving:

• Puts more strain on the engine, brakes, and gears
• Has higher fuel consumption
• Does not let the car reach its optimal operating pressure

With motorway driving, the opposite is the case. Here, you’ll drive long stretches on well-maintained roads. And whilst you might do more miles, you won’t be stopping and starting as much or hitting the brakes as often or changing gears as frequently. Because of that, the car will:

• Get to operate at optimum condition
• Cruise at more consistent rpms
• Have less stress on the brakes and transmission

Motorway driving can also be beneficial, providing a constant charge to the battery and alternator. However, a motorway driven car will likely have higher mileage.

City driving, on the other, may provide a shorter commute and less miles on the odometer. However, city driving can actually wear the car down more.

Motorway miles vs City miles – What’s best when buying a used car?

What’s best when buying a used car? Even though it may have higher mileage, motorway driving is the clear winner here. If you can find a used car that’s largely been driven on the motorway, it should be in a better condition than a similar vehicle that’s mainly driven in the city. It’s also why used car buyers shouldn’t ignore a car with high mileage. Instead, find out whether it’s mainly a city or motorway driven car.

Of course, regular servicing and proper maintenance are the best ways to keep a vehicle in tip top shape. After all, whether we drive in the city or motorway is often out of our hands and down to our work commitments and family lifestyles. For used car buyers, you’ll want to look at the service history just as closely as mileage. Do a car history check before buying and find out about the vehicle’s past care and maintenance.

How to tell if a used car has motorway miles or city miles?

Whilst you can ask the seller this question outright you can’t necessarily take their word for it. Thankfully, there are a few checks you can do when buying any make or model of a pre-owned car that can point to whether it’s been mainly used for motorway driving or city driving. For example:

• A new car in good condition and with high mileage is usually a sign it’s a motorway driven vehicle
• Door dents, body scrapes, and wheel curb rash on a used car are typically signs of navigating city driving and tight city parking spaces
• To be 100% certain of which, you can hire a mechanic to check the second-hand car over – they’ll be able to tell if it’s been mainly used as a city or motorway vehicle from the suspension and general wear of other components

Does high mileage make a difference?

Mileage is a subject that used car buyers often focus on. However, less car mileage does not necessarily mean the car is better. Nor that a high-mileage car is worse. As we’ve discussed, the type of miles the car’s driven has an impact on the vehicle too, whether it’s predominantly been used for motorway or city driving. Plus, there are other factors to consider. These include the car’s age vs mileage and the vehicle’s service history and care, which you can view with a car history check.

Low-mileage used vehicles can be very attractive, but you’ll typically pay more for them. You’ll still want to make sure they’ve been well looked after too. Also remember, cars are at their best when being driven regularly. Vehicles with low mileage – particularly older models – that are very rarely driven and sit on a driveway for months on end could require more servicing as rubber parts grow brittle from lack of use.

High-mileage used cars can be very tempting with fantastically low starting prices, yet their resale value will be lower – the higher mileage having sped up car depreciation. It can also lead to more general wear and tear too. However, once the car reaches around 5-8 years of age, its depreciation rate will have slowed down. And whilst you may worry about unscheduled repairs for an older vehicle, their cheaper prices could still save you money in the long term – although that’s not guaranteed.

The takeaway from this is simple: when buying a used car always do your research and shop around. Ultimately – whether it’s a used Citroen, Land Rover, Porsche, or any other make and model – go for the car and mileage that best fits your needs, budget, wants, and lifestyle.

There’s one winner in the city vs motorway driving debate: the motorway. Despite faster speeds and greater mileage, the motorway is easier on a car. Smoother roads, less stopping and starting, and less brake and transmission wear, mean motorway driving is more fuel efficient and less taxing on a car.