Everyone loves V12 engines. We certainly do. V12 engines are now a bit of a dying breed, with more supercars now having either a V8 engine, or in some cases even a V6 engine. Few manufacturers are bringing us V12 cars, with Lamborghini and Ferrari two of the few that are doing so. And naturally, V12 engines are not cheap to make. So thus, V12 cars themselves are not cheap to buy. But what if you took a look on the used car market.
The used car market reveals that V12 engine cars do not need to be expensive. While you won’t have the latest V12 engine, you can still get some rather cool classic cars that have top power on hand. Cars like the Mercedes W220 S600 or the rather stunning looking BMW 850i/ci. They are some of the most desirable used V12s that money can buy. And given how expensive everything else is coming, the price of these cars is looking even better as we speak. You will be quite surprised to see what the cheapest V12 engine cars are on the market right now.
Mercedes And BMW Take Center Stage
We have mentioned them before, but BMW and Mercedes are one of the biggest used V12 car players. The 850ci is one of the most desirable on the market. BMW created this car from 1990 to 1999. And under the hood is a 300 hp V12 in one of the most 1990s looking cars to come from the 1990s. Not only that, but the fly-by-wire throttle and multi-link rear axle also make this quite an advanced car for the day. Prices are slowly increasing, but you can pick one up for around $25,000 if you are lucky.
It would be wrong to not mention Mercedes too, and the S600 is one of the cheapest V12 cars you can buy right now. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 engine that gives the S600 a top speed of 155 mph. The 0-60 mph time is a very rapid 4.5 seconds too. Out of all the V12 cars on the used market, the S600 is one of the most modern. You would be very surprised at the price you pick a version of the S600 up for, with some going for as low as $13,000 on sites like eBay.
There Are Other Fascinating Cars In The Used V12 Market
There are some other fascinating players in the used V12 market. How about a used Ferrari? Well, the 456 GTA gives you a chance to get one for a fraction of the cost of a modern Ferrari. A 5.5-liter V12 gives the 456 GTA some 436 hp and a top speed of 186 mph. Impressive stats. Hagerty value the 1996 edition at around $53,000 in good condition but they can go for less, closer to $40,000 if you are lucky.
If you want something altogether different, then how about an Aston Martin? For some $25,000 you could pick up a fantastic DB7 Vantage. The DB7 might have been inferior to the DB9, but it was still a classic of its era. A 5.9-liter V12 engine was good enough for 420 hp, and it produces one of the best soundtracks any modern Aston Martin has ever produced. Plus, you are driving an Aston Martin for less than $30,000. And one of their very best as well. There is not much wrong with that is there? Amazingly though, you can go even cheaper.
Jaguar Are The Kings Of Cheap V12s
Jaguars are not the most common of cars in the United States. However, should you want a cheap one then look no further than the XJ-S. Perhaps the cheapest V12 you can get in the USA right now. The XJ-S made its debut in 1975, and while it was a harder sell compared to the previous E-Type, the XJ-S is now starting to get appreciated more. You still get a very generous 285 hp under the hood thanks to its V12 engine. And best of all, Hagerty values the 1979 model at just $14,500 in good condition. So you get a classic Jag, and a V12, for less than $15,000.
Plenty Of Options For Those Who Want A Cheap V12
For those who do want a cheap V12 engine there are clearly plenty of options out there. Everything ranging from some flash 1990s BMWs, to classic Mercedes sedans and even a Ferrari. Aston Martin make a surprise appearance and a 1970s Jaguar that is rather underappreciated is another one you can have. It is genuinely so surprising at the choice available even in 2023. Prices of some of these cars may go up soon, as everything else is going up. So while many of them are somewhat attainable, strike now, so you do not miss out. Because all of these, and there are other options out there too, are great examples of cheap V12 engine cars.
Sources: Hagerty, eBay