Found a 1994 XJ12 with 62000 miles. Runs and drives nice. Looks nice. Think I actually like the XJ40 body style better than the X300. Anyways, I don't know much about these but have always wanted to try out the Jag V12. The ******* is asking $6900 for the car. Am I crazy to consider it? Should I run not walk away???? I should I pick her up and place her ever so gently in the space waiting in the garage???

 

Welcome to jaguar forums jagxj12!

I bought my 94 xj40 about six months ago with 43,000 miles for around $5,500 of course mine is a VDP so it would be a little cheaper anyway. But still six months later I am glad I bought it, so if you love the xj12 and looks clean with good history I would go for it. Would you be using it as a daily driver or just a weekend car?

Best regards,
Mike

 

Thanks for the reply. The XJ12 would be a second car - driven maybe 150-200 HWY miles per week. I've owned the Jag straight six of the same era before and found it to be pretty reliable. I don't know anything about the V12. Some folks say it's a solid engine, others say don't bother so I'm a bit confused at present...

 

The V12 engine itself will last seemingly forever...so long as you keep it cool. The same can't always be said for everything *attached* to the engine so, at 17 years old, some things might need tending to.

Besides the cooling system pay particular attention to the ignition system.

I say "go for it". Everyone needs to own a V12 once. :-)

I think the asking price is a bit high but if it's ultra clean, maybe not.

Cheers
DD

 

I have always wanted to own a V12 engine . Hey it's very rare occasion that we see someone that likes XJ40 over X300 lol
I quite frankly admit I prefer XJ40 over X300 and it's one of the reasons why I didn't buy 1997 XJ12 but went for my present dream Jag 93 XJ40 .
Sadly mine is only 6 bangers lol

 

Indeed,
I really believe jaguar built some of the best engines out there! My 94 is a V6 and for a 16 year old car i find it good on gas and when i am driving it really feels like i have something under the hood! Do you have any photos of the car?

 

The '94 XJ12 (XJ81) is a very special Jaguar IMO and had a very short manufacturing run. Only bettered in shape by an '87 V12 Sovereign I had in '95. The 6 litre engine is a gem but can be expensive to run and service. Check that there are no signs of overheating in it's history as this is a killer for this model.

 

Yeah, I had a chance at a 12 but got talked into the 6 instead. The 12s are notorious for problems popping up here and there. The engine itself like all jag engines of the time is great. I know a dealer mechanic has one with 200 some thousand on his.

Knowing what I know now about this car and engine I would love to have the 12. If for the talking point if nothing more.

Just get ready for a lot of DIYS maintenence (unless you are well off to afford the mechanics fees) These old cars run great when running but need to be kept up. Don't forget you would need to buy 12 plugs, 12 plug wires, etc etc. Things like valve jobs etc now just got a whole lot more expencive too.

I would try and get the price down a tad and jump on it if the car is really sound. Just make sure you are ready to get your hands dirty and give the car some love from time to time. Don't be lazy about PMCS and the car won't be lazy on you.

 

You talked like one of Jag mechanics that I know lol He said buying a V12 was like buying two cars , almost everything is doubled things you mentioned

 

Wow RegentV12, you had a chance to buy a '97 X305?
And you passed it up?
That is the most rare of all the 300 series V12 cars.
The last year the V 12 was ever made.
the last one was built in either April or June depending on the source.
I always slow down and look at a nice X300 but it is full stop and drool when I catch an X305.
I once chased a guy for six miles because I thought he was driving a 305,
when I caught him it was actually an X300, thought for sure I saw a small V12 badge, but it was a 4.0 litre badge.
This is one car I would love to have in my collection.
I would also like an XJ 81 like the OP but we can't be too greedy now...or can we?

The 6 litre V-12 is a great engine all around but harder to source parts for than the 5.3 even from Jaguar says my mechanic, as he warns people away from them, but I would buy one anyway.

JustV12 (JustANopinion)

 

As long as that motor hasn't been run too hot, I'd offer him a bit less and try to take that baby home.

 

It was black / black , my fave combination . Strangely it had XJS wheels on it , I don't think they were from factory .
It didn't came with the power reat seats though


I owned '95 X300 , X300 is a major upgrade from XJ40 as a fact but I do love square lights

 

I say do all the things one normally does when buying a used car - its history, appearance and what its like to drive. I think you should pay particular attention if its done more than 150,000 miles; this indicates more maintenance and the need to see if you can get the seller to lower his price. It is also a very good idea to take along someone knowledgeable about Jags (especially these V12s) and take account of his opinion.
If everything appears favourable...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON...BUY IT!!!

 

I LOVE my little Beasty! Joys of driving, but of course mine being 20 yrs old, of course preventative maintenance needs to be done. Check everything, the CATS especially, air/fuel filters, tune up, radiator, alternator, starter, A/C, etc. You fix one thing & make that run beautifully, expect the other parts are gonna try to keep up with a screaming V12. Believe me, I know. ESPECIALLY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, they will clog & heat up, make your car lose all horsepower, run like a beat dog & start melting things from underneath. Awesome vehicle, hope you got it, Cheers!!

 

I unfortunately had to leave my beauty in Dominica, because I returned permanently to Trinidad, and although the shipping cost was minimal, the taxes on the 4 litre engine would have run more than USD 30,000.

 

I don't want to bruise this parade, but I'm going to make you look at some other things prior to buying it. If you do, like I did, and then buy it you will be much better off.

The V12 is a behemoth of a motor. If you can work on your own cars or are fortunate to pay someone, then have at it.

Go here and read EVERYTHING before you buy it. XJS Forum Sticky

Search for Kirby's V12 book and download it. All 700+ pages. Read it.

After you have done all that, We welcome you with open arms to the V12 Cat world. An experience like no other.

 

This thread is getting near two years old.
I am pretty sure a decision has been made by now as to whether or not to buy the car.
Does anyone know what the OP "JagXJ12" actually did?

I just erased a story about my philosophy on cars like this and who should buy them and who shouldn't. Can't be stirring up controversy now can we?

LOL
So, anyone know the answer?

JustV12

 

I see he joined the forum in April last year, when he asked the question and, hasn't bothered to come back on, to add a conclusion. Another one of those, that we can well do to be without......Roger.