Obviously the 95/96 are more desirable from a maintenance perspective but how much so? For a fella with four (4) kids and not a lot of time to tinker myself on the cars, is it worth the savings to go to a 94 that's a good deal or is it a no brainer to pay up for the 95/96 several thousand dollars?
Same mileage on each let's say.
Thanks!

 

Talking AJ6/AJ16?
Because there were not many V12's in 95-96...

If AJ6 vs AJ16, not sure the AJ16 is more desirable wrt to maintenance when you get an idle adaptation reset issue with no PDU around or a TDC sensor failure...
I believe the AJ6 is a top notch.

 

Both are good. I wouldn't avoid either one.

There's no guarantee that an AJ16 (1995/96) will be a pleasure cruise. They're known for coil problems and some odd OBDII quirks. And as Paydase says, the AJ16 ties you to shops or dealers with the with the right equipment to reprogram/reset operating parameters when/if the need arises.

But, to be honest, I wouldn't worry so much about the engine. Buy the right *car*. A top notch earlier model that has been loved will give you more pleasure and less aggravation than a later car that has received indifferent care and feeding.

Cheers
DD