far vs long way

[daemon99]

I read somewhere that far should be used in negative sentences and long way in positive ones.

1) Downing street is not too far from here.
2) Oxford street is a long way from here.

Do native speakers really follow this distinction? I think I have seen people using far in positive sentences as well.

Eg: That's very far from here.

[engee30]

I read somewhere that far should be used in negative sentences and long way in positive ones.

1) Downing street is not too far from here.
2) Oxford street is a long way from here.

Do native speakers really follow this distinction? I think I have seen people using far in positive sentences as well.

Eg: That's very far from here.

According to grammars, it should be the way you know about. But who really cares actually?