I've always felt that a man should own a V12 car at least once in his life. Does that answer your question? :-)

More seriously, the V12 is a good rugged engine that'll go on forever so long as you don't overheat the darn thing. More complexity in the engine bay, of course, so repairs will be more difficult. The 6.0 V12 has tons of power. That, and the V12 experience, so to speak, as usually enough to make owners forget any of the downsides. One warning----will you be doing your own repairs? I ask because there aew fewer and fewer "V12 savvy guys" as the years march by.

If it looks, sounds, a feels good....and runs cool...you'll probably be OK. Impeccable service records are a nice "plus" with any used Jag.

OTOH, the 4.0 is just plain hard to beat for long life, easy repairs, minimal fuss. A little boring maybe, but its still sittin' under the hood of a Jag...so all is not lost.

Cheers
DD

 

I can agree with Doug, I just bought a 1988 XJ-S H&E V-12 and wow is all I can say. I have 45K miles on the car and looking forward to putting a couple more on it. Good luck either way you go, but the 12 feels fantastic.

 

OK, all the common sense stuff out of the way. If you want the most fun car you will likely drive, more eye pleasing, most attention getting car, plus knowing that the little boys in their 5.0 Mustangs and Whinemobiles (riceburners with stupid, noisey exhaust cans), will only be in your rearview mirror, unless YOU choose otherwise, then go with the V-12. ) Nuff said!

 

Get a 95 or 96 6-cylinder.

Good engine and way less issues with maintenance.

 

Its sorta like deciding who you want to marry. Will it be the loyal and devoted, but rather ordinary, girl-from-your-home-town ?

Or will it be the worldly super model who demands attention..... but, oh-my-gawd, *really* knows how to please a man?

:-) :-)


Cheers
DD

 

Well put Doug!