When you need to move a car from A to B — whether it’s a new purchase, a sale, a relocation, or an auction pickup — cost is usually the first thing on your mind. Most people instinctively assume that driving the vehicle yourself is the cheapest option… but is that really true in 2025?
With rising fuel prices, increased maintenance costs, and higher depreciation rates on modern vehicles, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. In this guide, we break down the real cost of driving a car yourself vs. the true cost of professional car transport, so you can decide which option makes sense for you.
🚗 The True Cost of Driving Your Car Yourself
Driving your own vehicle feels like a free solution — but the real cost goes far beyond fuel. When you factor everything in, the average UK driver actually spends around 47p per mile on total running costs.. This includes:
- Fuel
- Depreciation
- Tyres & servicing
- Insurance
- Tax
- Repairs & breakdown risk
Fuel Costs in 2025
Typical fuel spending for most cars:
- Petrol: 13–18p per mile
- Diesel: 11–15p per mile
- Electric: 6–8p per mile
Depreciation (The Hidden Killer)
Depreciation is the single biggest cost of owning a car — and every long drive speeds it up. If you’re adding 200–500+ miles for a delivery or relocation, that can meaningfully reduce your vehicle’s resale value, especially if it’s newer or higher-end.
Other “Real World” Costs
- Your time (a long-distance drive often takes a full day)
- Food & refreshment stops
- Possible overnight accommodation
- Wear & tear leading to future repair bills
- Breakdown risk
Example: Driving a Car 400 Miles
400 miles × 47p per mile = £188 in real costs
Not including your time, food, or risk.
Driving is usually cheaper on paper — but not always once the hidden costs stack up.
🚛 The Cost of Professional Car Transport in 2025
The alternative is to use a professional car delivery service — like DeliverMyMotor — where a fully insured driver or transporter collects and delivers the vehicle for you.
Average UK Transport Prices
Typical 2025 transport rates:
- Short distances (<50 miles): £2.00–£3.00 per mile
- Long distances: £0.95–£1.80 per mile + Initial fee (£50-£80)
Example for 400 miles:
400 × £1.30 (average long-distance rate) = £520
Why People Choose Transport Even When It Costs More
Transport isn’t always the cheapest option — but it often delivers better value:
- No added mileage or depreciation
- No fuel or travel fatigue
- No risk of breakdowns on the road
- Insurance-backed transporters protect your vehicle
- Your entire day is freed up
For high-value, classic, sentimental, or newly purchased cars, avoiding extra miles alone can justify the cost.
Special Scenarios Where Transport Is Usually Cheaper
Even though transport often costs more per mile, there are cases where it becomes the smarter financial choice:
- Moving a non-runner or SORN vehicle (driving isn’t an option)
- Electric vehicles on long routes (charging time + wear may outweigh savings)
- Cars with known mechanical issues
- Avoiding motorway tolls, ULEZ fees, and congestion zones
- Protecting resale value on modern premium cars
💷 Driving vs. Transporting — Which Is Cheaper Overall?
Here’s the simplified comparison:
| Cost Factor | Drive Yourself | Professional Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | ✔️ (you pay) | ❌ Included |
| Depreciation | ✔️ Significant | ❌ None |
| Wear & tear | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Your time | ✔️ All day | ❌ None |
| Insurance during transport | N/A | ✔️ Covered |
| Potential breakdown costs | ✔️ Risk | ❌ Transporter risk |
| Price for 400 miles | ~£188 | ~£520 |
Bottom Line
- Driving is usually the cheaper option upfront, especially for older or lower-value vehicles.
- Transport becomes better value when convenience, safety, time savings, or protecting vehicle value matter.
For many people, the real question isn’t “Which is cheaper?” but “Which saves me the most hassle?”
🏆 When We Recommend Using a Transporter
Use professional transport if:
- You’ve bought or sold a car online
- You’re relocating long-distance
- The car is a non-runner
- The vehicle has high value or sentimental importance
- You want to avoid putting extra miles on the clock
- You can’t take time off work for a long drive
Use driving if:
- The distance is short
- Costs absolutely must be kept to a minimum
- The car is older and extra mileage isn’t a concern
🚀 Need a Fast, Affordable Car Delivery Quote?
DeliverMyMotor lets you compare real-time quotes from trusted, insured transporters — often saving customers up to 40% compared to calling transporters individually.
👉 Get an instant car transport quote in minutes
👉 Nationwide collection & delivery
👉 Trusted, verified drivers
👉 Suitable for runners, non-runners, classics, EVs and more
Just tell us the locations and vehicle — we’ll handle the rest.
