By Mitch Rice
When going on longer trips or commuting many miles daily, cars made for comfort and efficient driving are necessary to avoid fatigue and expensive fuel costs. Luckily, there are plenty of good options on the UK car market, as today’s diesel or hybrid powertrains tend to have high levels of fuel economy when used on highways.
Furthermore, the latest technology features, like Adaptive Cruise Control & Lane Keeping Assist, have greatly reduced the effort of driving in heavy traffic conditions. The following guide summarises the top eight used vehicles that are equipped with these advanced technologies, which make long-distance driving a much more enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Top Used Cars for Motorway Driving
The best long-distance cars focus on comfort, efficiency and luxury of construction.
- Audi A6 – For those who enjoy comfort and style
- Volvo V90 – Swedish quality and luxury
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class – German engineering for silent, blissful rides
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range – The benchmark for all other electric vehicles
- Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI (Mk7/7.5) – Among the most popular for city driving as well
- Ford Mondeo – A classic choice that will fit most people
- Jaguar F-Pace – For the SUV enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary
- Skoda Superb – Durable comfort at a reasonable price
Audi A6: The Executive Cruiser
The Audi A6 has been a leader in refinement on the Autobahn, offering a quiet, comfortable cabin, great seating, and a perfect driving position. While carVertical offers specialised tools like an Audi VIN decoder free to confirm factory specifications, their main history report is essential for uncovering hidden issues like mileage tampering or past accidents on any vehicle you’re considering, from this A6 to the Volvo or Mercedes on our list.
The A6 is solid and accurate at high speeds. A proper history search is critical for any high-end pre-owned vehicle. Dedicated VIN decoders for Audi automobiles will allow the potential buyer to have a complete insight into both the factory specifications and the previous history of the particular vehicle, so that they can purchase the authentic, fully-equipped, expected Audi automobile.
Volvo V90: The Scandinavian Sanctuary
The Volvo V90 estate offers superb comfort in a stylish and contemporary package. The driving characteristics of the V90 estate focus on comfort and subdued handling characteristics rather than sporty characteristics that are ideal for long-distance travelling. The interior is well designed with a focus on Scandinavian design and has been constructed with high-quality and soothing design materials, as well as very comfortable, ergonomic seating that was designed with orthopaedics in mind.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Limousine Comfort
The Mercedes E-Class is a great choice if you want the luxury of an S-Class without paying the price of an S-Class. The E-Class has been referred to as one of the quietest and most luxurious cars available, and many people describe the driving experience as having “limousine-like comfort.”
The E-Class has an optional air suspension system that offers a super-soft, comfortable ride similar to being on a magic carpet. E-Class interiors are of exceptional quality and provide excellent long-distance comfort with a wide selection of configurations for both sedans and wagons, with tons of cargo room. The E-Class also offers a variety of diesel and hybrid engine options for those of you who want to travel efficiently over long distances.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range: The Electric Interloper
When it comes to the best used cars for long distance driving, driving around town or simply commuting to work, a home charging station could make your experience with the Model 3 an entirely new one. Long Range Model 3 provides you with about 300 miles of true range, so for most trips within the UK, you can charge up to three times while driving.
The experience of operating a Model 3 on the motorway is nothing short of amazing. The car is virtually silent, boasts the same acceleration as a supercar, responds to driver input extremely well, and has Autopilot, the best driver-assist technology available today for any product.
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI (Mk7/7.5): The Compact All-Rounder
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is great for highway use, as the 2.0 litre TDI diesel is also the most powerful and most refined of all the Volkswagen vehicles. Compared to other vehicles, it offers the quietest, smoothest and most comfortable ride. The Golf also provides an excellent ergonomic design inside.
The 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine has excellent fuel economy (50+ mpg), which makes it a great vehicle to own and operate. If you need additional storage capacity, there is the Golf Variant with additional space and all the same attributes as the hatchback that make it fun to drive. The Golf Variant is the ideal choice for people with a lot of highway miles to drive and who do not want the headache of driving a larger vehicle.
Ford Mondeo: The Unflappable Workhorse
The Ford Mondeo has long been established as the UK’s top-selling company car for good reason. With lots of space inside, a very affordable price tag, and it’s well-known for being comfortable while giving a great drive experience and driving position, as well as being stable when going at high speeds.
The 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engines are incredibly efficient and long-lasting,g with the ability to achieve 60+ miles per gallon when driven properly. Later variants will also have a hybrid powertrain, which will give you excellent fuel efficiency when driven in everyday conditions. Overall, you get a lot of value for every mile you drive with the Mondeo.
Jaguar F-Pace: The Sporty SUV Contender
Do you want an SUV with ample cargo capacity and a commanding view from the driver’s seat? If you prefer a sporty and responsive vehicle to a big, cushy snoozer, the Jaguar F-Pace is an excellent choice. It is a premium SUV that offers much better sportiness in terms of handling than most other premium SUVs. It is still quiet and really well built both inside and out.
The Jaguar F-Pace uses Ingenium diesel engines, which offer superior performance & fuel efficiency when compared to similarly sized diesel-fuelled automobiles built by other automobile manufacturers. Driving an F-Pace will not only be fun but will also give you style as you drive to & from work each day!
Skoda Superb: The Space and Value Champion
Space is where the Skoda Superb truly excels. The Superb’s rear legroom is similar to that of many limousines. The boot has one of the biggest spaces of any hatchback or estate. The Skoda Superb is also efficient, with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that can achieve over 60 miles per gallon.
The Skoda Super has an excellent driving experience with plenty of room due to its size. It has a near-luxury feel and has ample space compared to the expense of typical luxury brands. Thus, the Skoda Super is the best choice for those who drive a lot and want the most utility at the least cost.
Key Factors for a Long-Distance Champion
When searching for the best used cars for motorway driving, you should take into account comfort, how well they are built, and their ability to hold up over time in order to support your long-distance driving. These important considerations should be taken into account.
The Paramount Importance of Comfort and Refinement
Noise and poor seating systems in a vehicle contribute to driver fatigue when travelling for long periods. An excellent vehicle for long-distance travel will have a lot of comfort features, which include quietness, sound insulation from tyre noise, and wind noise, as well as a suspension system that can absorb small bumps and cracks in the asphalt without sending those bumps and cracks into the passenger cabin of the vehicle.
Fuel Economy: The Crucial Calculation for High Mileage
For drivers who travel 15,000-20,000 miles annually, fuel efficiency becomes an important factor in how much they spend on their car’s operating costs. Diesel engines have been successful in this area, typically providing 10-15% greater fuel economy than their equivalent gasoline models while cruising at high steady speeds over the long term.
Prioritising Space and Practical Luggage Capacity
Having ample passenger space in long-distance vehicles is one of the most beneficial features for families. With sufficient cabin space, all passengers will be comfortable. Additionally, the vehicle’s storage capacity is important. Most saloon cars have relatively compact trunk areas, while most estates have a much larger storage area, which allows for larger items like suitcases, sporting equipment and dog cages to be carried.
Technology and Safety for Effortless Miles
Technology can help make driving on highways safer and more comfortable. For example, having an easy-to-use infotainment system connected to your smartphone, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, will give you navigation options, entertainment options, etc. Also, consider using any driver-assistance tech available, like adaptive cruise control, for added safety and comfort while driving.
Essential Tips for Buying Your Used Motorway Car
Finding the right model is only half the battle; finding the right example of that model is crucial. Here’s how to ensure your purchase is sound.
The Non-Negotiable Vehicle History Check
Don’t make the mistake of falling in love with the wrong car! If you’re considering buying an Audi, you may want to check out some specialised tools like the ‘Audi VIN Decoder’, so you can confirm the details of the car’s production versus what the seller claims. If you didn’t know already, running a vehicle history report is the best way to avoid this, as it will tell you if there’s an outstanding loan on the vehicle, if it has been ‘written-off’, and if there are problems with the odometer.
A Realistic View of Long-Distance Running Costs
Driving on motorways normally results in much less strain being put on the clutch and gearbox than driving through major city traffic. Motorway driving results in a different wear pattern from city driving. Highway driving creates constant pressure on your wheels, brakes and motor, so you should always have quality tyres on your automobile.
Choosing the Right Fuel Type for Your Pattern
Select your fuel type based on how you drive. A modern Euro 6 Diesel should provide you with the best fuel efficiency and lowest CO2 emissions on a motorway where you’re travelling at a constant speed. If you do a lot of urban driving or if you drive into cities that have strict emissions requirements, a full Hybrid or a new efficient Petrol Turbo will be a better fit and should save you money.
The Critical Test Drive: Inspecting for Comfort and Condition
During your test drive, choose a dual carriageway. Stay at 70 mph for at least 20 minutes. When you do this, consider how much wind noise, tyre noise, and vibrations from the drivetrain you notice while driving. Also, test how the car reacts to having strong winds coming from the side, and whether the car has a robust sensation when driving straight. After driving for one hour, see if your seats are still comfortable.
Before purchasing a vehicle, it is essential to check that all driver aids and technology are functioning correctly. It is wise to consider higher miles on the odometer for a vehicle with complete service records. This is because motorway miles are much less taxing than many short trips and repeated cold starts. A pre-purchase inspection from your trusted mechanic should be done to build your confidence in the vehicle’s condition.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Alt text: A couple on their way across the country, visiting distant relatives
When it comes to long-distance travel, one of the top considerations when buying a used car is the type of car that offers maximum comfort. To that end, the car you purchase should offer both maximum comfort and excessive fuel efficiency. When browsing used cars, services such as carVertical’s VIN decoder can be a powerful tool to uncover history, past owners and potential finance problems.
Diesel vehicles generally provide improved fuel economy when compared to other fuel types. However, for optimum performance for short trips and long distances, a hybrid or gasoline car is likely your best option. It’s also important to get a complete vehicle history report on any specific vehicle you are considering.
By focusing on the elements of comfort, efficiency, and reliability, you will be able to easily find the used car that will allow you to fully enjoy every long trip you take.