Every so often, we’re faced with a decision to either follow the head or the heart. The head tells you to get the hybrid Toyota Camry sedan that comes with a warranty and incredible fuel efficiency. The heart, however, looks at a used V12 grand tourer. Scary repair bills be damned – there’s nothing quite like crunching up the miles with 12 cylinders roaring away in front of you.
With so many ’90s and ’00s cars dropping sharply in value, the V12 category is one of the worst affected. High running costs make them a fun yet terrifying prospect to own, and there are a few that even slip under the $30k starting price of Toyota’s brilliant (if slightly too sensible) hybrid sedan.
Here are three picks for cars the same price, yet triple the cylinders.
Aston Martin DB9
The Hand-Built V12 GT With Movie-Star Looks
You almost struggle to believe that you can get a V12 Aston Martin for the same price as a new Toyota, but it’s true. The flagship 5.9L V12-engined Aston Martin DB9 can be squeezed into for around $30k, giving you all the poise of a hand-built British grand tourer. Early examples feature the simplest silhouette, and they’re the ones you’ll be looking at for this price.
What’s Out There
- A 2006 Aston Martin DB9 with 30,000 miles sold for $31,350 in August 2026
- A 2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante with 26,000 miles sold for $29,000 in May 2026
- A 2005 Aston Martin DB9 with 25,000 miles sold for $25,000 in February 2026
The V12 makes a strong 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and with all that grunt arriving at around 5,000 rpm, you’ll enjoy revving this engine out. It takes around five seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, which might not be insane by today’s standards, but the DB9 is much more suited to long highway stretches and coastal routes than the racetrack. The six-speed automatic – with which most were equipped – might feel sluggish by today’s standards, but it matches the laid-back appeal of the car.
There was a Volante, which does appear to come in slightly cheaper in the classifieds, but it comes with a slight weight penalty. Still, compared to the DB7 that came before it, this car was 25% lighter but with double the rigidity. Inside, the switchgear and UI may look dated, but the car still has heated seats, a premium sound system, and parking sensors. Late models might have the edge in interior quality, but with a V12, who really cares?
Buying Guide: What To Look Out For
A rear three-quarter shot of a 2005-2012 Aston Martin DB9 VolanteAston Martin
Here come the bad bits, I hear you say. Fortunately, the DB9 is more reliable than you might expect, but when something goes wrong, it will cost you dearly. Aston Martin forums are filled with discussion of maintenance checks that should be performed every two or three years to make sure everything is running smoothly. One owner has budgeted $3k a year for running the Aston Martin, while others have gotten away with only $1k.
“The DB9 represented a new chapter for the brand, with its platform, design language, and V12 engine all then brand new. Not only does its design still hold up gracefully to this day, it can prove to be daily-drivable” – Adrian Ma, CarBuzz writer
A pre-purchase inspection at a specialist is strongly recommended. The specialist will be looking for common issues such as corrosion around the cylinder liner seals, whether park engages on the gearbox, and whether the suspension is free from wear. This car is on the heavier side, so it can wear out its brakes, tires, and subframe – the last of which was subject to a recall concerning incorrectly torqued bolts. You want to get a good deal of history with this car.
BMW 850i
The Most Understated V12 Grand Tourer Ever Built
The simple lines and understated looks of the E31-generation BMW 8 Series have made it one of the most fitting “modern classics” of our generation. Using computer-aided design to make it as slippery as possible, the slightly underpowered V12 could still push this car to a limited 155 mph top speed while not resorting to any ostentation on the outside. While the V8 is the more common power plant for this car, the V12 is sought-after for the way it matches the effortless elegance of this grand tourer.
What’s Out There
- A 1991 BMW 850i with 108,000 miles sold for $27,500 in August 2026
- A 1991 BMW 850i with 79,000 miles sold for $20,000 in October 2025
- A 1993 manual BMW 850i with 51,000 miles sold for $24,500 in April 2026
Developed over nine years before finally going on sale in the US for the 1991 model year, the “M70” V12 makes a hushed 300 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Those might seem more like hot hatch figures in 2026, but the V12 was more known for its smooth under-the-radar power delivery than outright speed. Most cars come with a four-speed automatic, but a slick six-speed manual is a good find on car sites.
“It’s easy to forget how it was one of the most advanced BMWs ever designed and engineered, from its computerized design to electronic features onboard. The V12 engine on the higher-spec 850i models easily brings it to grand tourer levels of refinement.” – Adrian Ma, CarBuzz writer
The interior is pure 1990s in that buttons are aplenty and wood is a central theme. There are seat heaters, powered seats, and cruise control to make light work of the miles this V12 is capable of. With its pop-up headlights, this car is certain to rise in value as the 90s resurgence continues.
Buying Guide: What To Look Out For
1991 BMW 850iBring A Trailer
Being an under-stressed V12 engine, it is capable of very high mileages without much input from you. Many of the issues with the 850i don’t come from the motor itself, though, as it is a hotbed for electrical problems owing to its luxury ’90s status. They’re usually caused by the voltage being too low, so make sure the alternator is in top condition, and it hasn’t been sitting for too long. Some owners have also reported wiring loom trouble at the rear related to the lights – make sure they all work.
The first thing to check mechanically is the cooling system, which can fail. If there is no evidence of items such as the hoses, water pump, or radiator having been serviced recently, factor that into your negotiations. Luckily though, the V12 is actually surprisingly reliable if you keep on top of your maintenance. Just look out for any corrosion in the bodywork.
Mercedes-Benz CL 600
More Tech Than A Modern Data Center
If we’re talking proportions and size, then the Mercedes-Benz CL 600 is certainly a good choice. From the side, it certainly has the proportions of a proper grand tourer, even if this C215 generation shares the front end with lesser Mercedes models of the time. It’s the cheapest car on our list, and all that money you save compared to the other two can be used to make sure the V12 is in top condition and all the complicated electrics are fixed.
What’s Out There
- A 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 with 29,000 miles sold for $16,500 in August 2026
- A 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 with 27,000 miles sold for $22,000 in April 2026
- A 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 with 62,000 miles sold for $12,750 in March 2026
This generation can be split into two eras: before the 2003 model year facelift, the standard engine was a 5.8L naturally aspirated V12 making 362 hp. Post-facelift, Mercedes swapped this for a 5.5L twin-turbocharged unit with 493 horsepower. It doesn’t really matter which engine you choose – both are tuned toward comfort and drivability rather than pure performance – but the later engine does have more headroom for tuning.
The CL’s high starting price meant Mercedes fitted it with more tech than a modern data center. It was one of the first cars to feature radar-guided cruise control, cooled seats, and even keyless go. All this technology, the generous proportions (and the surprising amount of trunk space that comes with them), and a V12 engine make it one of the most complete early-2000s GT cars. Even if the latest Camry has all these features and more, the low asking price of the CL 600 means you get a V12 for a fraction of the price.
Buying Guide: What To Look Out For
2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Side ViewMercedes-Benz
The technology, large-displacement engine, and active suspension make the Mercedes-Benz probably the most daunting car to own on this list, yet it is also the most affordable. The suspension is impressive when it works, keeping the bumps and rolls to a minimum, but repairs are complicated and expensive thanks to electrical components and sensors. Speaking of electrics, make sure every button works reliably inside the cabin and that there is no water intrusion under the floor, which is a common issue.
Rust can start to creep in under the wheel arches, doors, and rear window. The engine can be expensive to repair, especially if there is an issue with the ignition coils, which can fail when the spark plugs are changed. The V12 engine is also known to leak oil from the timing chain cover, so check this when you’re buying the car and take it to a specialist if you’re unsure.
Sources: Hagerty, PistonHeads, Mercedes, Aston Martin, BMW, BringATrailer
