Summary
- Gasoline prices have made cars with monster engines less appealing to car enthusiasts.
- This is why these 12-cylinder powered cars from a few decades ago, can be bought for under $20,000.
- Many luxury cars with 12-cylinder engines can have good reliability, but age-related maintenance may be required.
Today there are not as many car enthusiasts looking for vehicles with monster engines under the hood because gasoline prices have gone through the roof with the move toward all-electric vehicles. A car that feeds on high-octane fuel to get six miles a gallon or less is now more of a toy for most, rather than a car to be driven on more than a rare occasion. So, those still after them are mostly collectors looking for either a project car or one in mint condition to put on a showroom floor.
That means many of the 12-cylinder powered cars that were once overpriced because of the enormous displacement have not increased in value like some of the other classic muscle and performance cars from back in the day. Granted, you will not find a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, a 1969 Ford Mach I, or even a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda, but what you can find are cars not much more than three decades old that are still top-end luxury cars for under $20,000, most for even less than $10,000.
Let's take a look at 10 of the most worthwhile of the bunch so you can start looking for your next bargain car, one with an awesome 12-cylinder monster mounted under the hood.
We have compiled the information provided below using information from the Consumer Reports website for the most part, but we have also used data from sites such as Kelley Blue Book (KBB), RepairPal, CarEdge, and J.D. Power.
10 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
Average Used Price: $16,384 (KBB)
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG sports a V-12 engine that can push out up to 604 horsepower without any modifications, and the company's limited torque comes out at an impressive 738 pound-feet. The twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter engine can propel this two-door coupe from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 MPH. The 2005 CL65 AMG is valued anywhere from $12,632 to $21,765, with the average selling price being right around $16,384 for a car in good condition.
2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
One problem that seems relatively common after 70,000 miles of driving is the failure of the coil pack, creating a misfire that leads to a lack of power. That, of course, is a problem because why else do you own a car with a V-12 other than for the power? Depending upon the mechanic, the fix can cost anywhere from two to six thousand dollars. The other common problems owners report are age-related, which is expected with any older model.
- Problems Owners Reported: Rough-running engine, leaking gaskets and seals, brakes needing to be replaced
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 91,000 miles
9 2009 Audi A8L W12
Average Used Price: $12,323 (KBB)
When the 2009 Audi A8L W12 was first introduced to the American scene, it had a hefty price tag, ranging from $75,000 to $125,000, so it is kind of shocking to see that it can be had in decent running condition for an average cost of $12,323. The W-12 engine under the hood is not as powerful as some of the other V-12s on this list, but it still produces a respectable 444 horses and 428 pound-feet of torque without any help from a turbocharger. From 0 to 60 MPH, the A8L can accelerate in 5.1 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of about 155 MPH.
2009 Audi A8L W12 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
The owners that have written in have a lot to say about the car's reliability, and most of it is good. One of the most common comments found across the internet is that the interior is luxurious and comfortable to ride in, even on long journeys. People also state that the car rides smoothly even on bumpy roads because of the superior air-ride suspension system. The only negative remark that could be found was about the cost of repairs because, like other top-brand cars, maintenance and repairs are more costly than a car such as a Honda or Ford.
- Problems Owners Reported: Gaskets and seals needing to be replaced, brake pads wearing down, lack of power in the engine (all age-related maintenance)
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 113,000 miles
8 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL600
Average Used Price: $11,415 (KBB)
The twin-turbocharged V-12 found in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL600 does not give much of a performance boost over the V-8 installed for the year, so these cars can be picked up cheaper than you would think. The 5.5-liter V-12 pumps out up to 510 horsepower and can push 612 pound-feet of torque to the ground through a seven-speed transmission. The difference in power is around 136 horses which cut the 0 to 60 time by one and a half seconds, down to 4.4 seconds. As said before, there is not a lot of difference, but enough to be worth looking for, considering the SL600 has an average selling cost of only $11,415 with either engine.
2010 Mercedes-Benz SL600 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Mercedes-Benz is usually a brand that is well cared for by its owners, which is why owner feedback is generally all good. The SL600 is no exception to this because the only bad found on any of the review sites begins when a person purchases a used model that was not cared for properly by the original owner. The bottom line is that if the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL600 is not maintained correctly from the time it is purchased, the reliability of it will go down, and the maintenance cost will go up.
- Problems Owners Reported: Rear trunk hydraulics, spark plugs and coils, brakes (all age-related maintenance)
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 95,000 miles
7 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL600
Average Used Price: $11,003 (KBB)
The aluminum block of this 5.5-liter V-12 was designed to help improve performance by keeping the block cool and lightweight without giving up any horsepower or torque. Speaking of power, the turbocharged 5.5-liter engine under the hood of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL600 produces 493 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Not too bad for an early model 2000s car, especially when you see that it can shoot from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.6 seconds, and even though it is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 MPH, just like most of the other foreign-built cars on this list, it has more than enough power for most luxury-minded buyers.
2006 Mercedes-Benz CL600 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Yet another Mercedes-Benz has found its way onto this list. Not because it is one of the most luxurious and comfortable rides on the planet. Not because it is one of the most reliable cars you can buy, as long as you keep up with the routine maintenance schedule that the company demands you follow. But because when it comes to customer feedback and satisfaction, real owners never have much bad to say about their cars, including the CL600 series coupes.
- Problems Owners Reported: CPS sensor, electrical components, driveshaft crank pulley, light bulbs (all age-related maintenance)
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 114,000 miles
6 1996 Jaguar XJS
Average Used Price: $6,619 (KBB)
Once you go back into the last century, cars become serious classics that may need some work to get them back up to excellent condition. However, even then, the ones with a 12-cylinder under the hood, like the 1996 Jaguar XJS, can be bought for far less than you would imagine. For example, the current average selling price for this 237-horsepower road car is only $6,619. Yes, you read that correctly on both counts, the horsepower is lower than you would expect because it is a naturally aspirated engine, but it can still go from 0 to 60 MPH in under seven seconds.
1996 Jaguar XJS Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
The Jaguar is more about looks and status than it is about actual performance, as you can see by the statistics above. The reliability of the car is also not the best in the industry, either, but on the other hand, there are other cars far worse, such as the Lincoln Continental back in the 1940s. Owners do warn of problems with the door locks stating that they have been locked out of their own cars with the alarms blaring.
- Problems Owners Reported: Door lock malfunctions, rear-end failure, overheating due to a faulty radiator
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 92,000 miles
5 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
Average Used Price: $6,330 (KBB)
The son of Phoebus (Greek Mythology), Phaeton is expected to be powerful and majestic, which is precisely what Volkswagen was going for with this luxury model. Not just any luxury model, though, one that had some get-up-and-go hidden under the hood. The stock W-12 that came as the power plant produced up to 420 horsepower and pushed out 406 pound-feet of torque at a reasonably low RPM of 3,250. The best thing about the car; it can be found for sale for as little as $4,550 if you are willing to put in some wrench time. Otherwise, the average going price for the car is still only $6,330.
2005 Volkswagen Phaeton Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Owners are not complaining about the reliability or the expense of the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. In fact, it is quite the opposite. They are all pleased with the car because they claim it has the chassis of a Bentley and the drive train of an Audi A8, and they combined them to create an affordable luxury car for the masses.
- Problems Owners Reported: The computer is under the left foot of the driver so it can get wet and need to be replaced, repairs are high for a Volkswagen
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 125,000 miles
4 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600
Average Used Price: $5,506 (KBB)
The Mercedes-Benz S-class was arguably one of the first vehicles to add technology that would take us all into the future. What was then dubbed as the "Internet on Wheels," the COMMAND navigation system was one of the first designed internal car systems that allowed occupants to stay in touch with work and home through a cell phone link. To top it off, under the hood is a 5.8-liter V-12 that pumps out 362 horsepower, giving it a 0 to 60 MPH blast of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 155 MPH (because of it being limited, of course.)
2002 Mercedes-Benz S600 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Like most older cars on the road, the Mercedes-Benz S600 needs to be maintained as suggested by the manufacturer. If not, you can expect to pay a substantial amount to get the car back up to good running condition. The one issue that seemed to plague a few owners to the point of them selling is the suspension system, so if you are looking to buy one, check that out first to avoid a considerable repair bill right out of the gate.
- Problems Owners Reported: suspension system, safety belts stick, steering wheel leather starts peeling off
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 77,000 miles
3 2003 BMW 760Li
Average Used Price: $4,756 (KBB)
Back in the day when muscle cars ruled the streets, you rarely saw a four-door sedan step up to the line, but if the 2003 BMW 760Li traveled back in time, it surely would. It may look like a basic family luxury sedan, but this Beemer is powered by a 438 horsepower 6.0-liter V-12 that can pound out up to 444 pound-feet of torque. This twist is pushed to the rear tires through a six-speed automatic transmission. The crazy thing is that the average selling price for a BMW 760Li is currently only $4,756, according to Kelley Blue Book values.
2003 BMW 760Li Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
Honestly, the 2003 BMW 760Li was one of those cars that were really touch-and-go on whether it would secure a spot on this list. The problem is that after 60,000 miles or so, the car seems to start having some serious issues, depending on how it was driven up to that point. But then again, it depends a lot upon how it was cared for up until then as well, so since it has had great reviews until then, it earned a spot here.
- Problems Owners Reported: engine valves, electronics, fuel pump, transmission shifting issues, and cooling system problems
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 120,000 miles
2 1995 Jaguar XJ12
Average Used Price: $2,938 (KBB)
You may be rubbing your eyes to make sure they are not tricking you because a used Jaquar with an average used asking price of only $2,938 must be a mistake. Fortunately for you, it isn't. That is not to say that after this information gets leaked out, the prices will not be driven up due to a drastic increase in buyers, but for now, it is a huge bargain. Under the hood, as you might have guessed, is a V-12 that can produce a respectable 313 horsepower pushing the car from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.9 seconds and down the quarter-mile track in just over 15 seconds.
1995 Jaguar XJ12 Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
People have written about a few serious problems with the 1995 Jaquar XJ12. Ones that would make you think twice about buying one, such as replacing the engine after 20,000 miles. However, other owners have jumped into the conversation and stated that if maintenance had been on time, and fluid checks had been completed, the V-12 engine would be so reliable that a seized engine at that low of mileage would simply never happen.
- Problems Owners Reported: engine failure, in-car electronics problems, and electric fan failure
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 93,206 miles
1 1992 BMW 750iL
Average Used Price: $1,968 (KBB)
The best deal on this list, at least for the moment, is the 1992 BMW 750iL. According to KBB, the average selling price for this V-12 packing four-door sedan is around $1,968. And before you ask, YES, that is one that is in a driveable condition that only needs a little work to be in great shape. The 5.0-liter V-12 only pushes out 296 horses and 332 pound-feet of torque, which may be part of the reason for the low price tag, but it still can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just over seven seconds.
1992 BMW 750iL Reliability Based On Owner Feedback
The 1992 BMW 750iL is a reliable car, according to the owners that have written into the car review sites. One owner did lodge a complaint about the cost of the rear shocks when they went out because he had to special order them all the way from Germany, which cost a pretty penny. Another smaller, more common issue that can happen after years of driving is brake problems. Sensors, lines, pads, and even rotors can all need to be replaced after years of hard use, especially if they have not been checked and appropriately maintained throughout those years.
- Problems Owners Reported: rear shocks, brakes, sunroof, and oxygen sensors
- Highest Mileage Reported On CarSurvey: 202,000