The V12 engine; many say every petrolhead should drive one before he dies. By definition, they are big and dramatic. The best ones are simultaneously monstrous and angelic. They offer aggressive acceleration and sonorous sound. Who can resist all that powerrrrr?
The only problem is price. V12s are consigned to exorbitant, over-the-top luxury and sports cars. As a result, they are out of the average person’s reach. Enthusiasts in the used car market have a difficult quandary to consider.
On one hand, eBay has many beautiful V12 vehicles available, which depreciated so dramatically as to make them attainable. On the other hand, one could afford to buy the vehicle, but not afford the cost of running it – which is a nightmare scenario for every motorist.
As our Editor, John Halas, eloquently stated: the following V12s were queens when new, and require a queen’s maintenance when old. This will act as a caution. We cannot verify the quality of these vehicles. Buyers Beware!
By Nico Grant
5. 2003 Mercedes CL600 ($21,950)
No list of V12-engined cars is complete without a Mercedes-Benz. After all, they produce more V12 models than any other mass-market luxury automaker. Ordinary Benzes are known for their horrific depreciation, electrical gremlins, and all other manner of defects after the warranty expires. The tech that was once innovative becomes troublesome. The V12s are no different. In some cases, they’re known to be worse.
This specific CL600 is perfect for the aspiring mobster with mature tastes. The design isn’t Benz’s best, but the vehicle is big, which may well mean ‘beautiful’ to prospective buyers. The trunk is large enough for a body or two. The V12’s 493 horsepower (when new) means that a driver can evade the police, and because it’s rear-wheel drive, one can perform burnouts while doing so. It has an AMG badge on the decklid, although it is not an AMG. Somehow, that is not surprising.
According to the seller, the depreciation and maintenance costs are things to be proud of. They boldly proclaim the single owner paid $137,000 for the car, and spent $20,000 servicing it over the years. For context, the vehicle only has 63,000 miles (100,000 km). Check out the listing here.
4. 1988 Jaguar XJ12 Vanden Plas ($7,000)
As this is a Jaguar, do not be surprised if it strands you on the side of the road. Surely, it’s happened once or twice in the car’s 153,000 miles (246,000 km). While you are waiting for the tow truck, you can admire the car’s classic lines, or its elegant cabin.
The headline here is the price: $7,000 for one of Jaguar’s naturally aspirated V12s, which have since been discontinued. An added bonus is that even though it’s an ’88, if you tell everyone it’s an ’07, most of them will believe you. Check out the listing here.
3. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL600 ($24,980)
Yes, there is a second Mercedes-Benz on the list, but this one is more beautiful than the first, and a touch sportier. Some believe it is the most beautiful modern SL. The design shows its age, but it is better balanced than the current SL. The main selling point of this SL, besides its low 59,000 miles (95,000 km), is the folding hardtop roof. It has become a fan favorite among the senior citizens who buy this vehicle. Check out the listing here.
2. 2002 Aston Martin DB7 ($43,980)
The cheapest new Aston Martin one can buy is the V8 Vantage, which is well more than twice the price of this $43,980 example. In more good news, there are only 19,000 miles (30,500 km) on the odometer. The bad news is, everyone will tell you, “Nice Jaguar!” It’s remarkable how much Ian Callum cross-pollinated the designs of Astons and Jags. Inside and out, this looks like something between an XK8 and its direct successor, the XK.
Still, it’s easy to see the details of this car that influenced its follow-up, the DB9 (which clearly was a quantum leap forward). It has class, charm, and a front end that still looks relevant. Check out the listing here.
1. 1992 BMW 850i ($10,480)
Is there anything cooler than a BMW 8-series? And a V12? Together? It was called the Bavarian Ferrari when it was fresh, for offering the style, sportiness, and comfort of Maranello berlinettas. It may not be Italian, but expect to pay dearly for the privilege of driving it.
This example is an automatic and has 89,000 miles (143,000 km), either of which may be a dealbreaker. Regarding the transmission, it can be difficult to find a well-priced manual on eBay. Nonetheless, check out the black-on-tan contrast, pop-up lights, and pillarless windows here.