Talk me out of this...
 

I want a VW Phaeton.

http://www.airmatic-lowering-links.c...on-Black-2.jpg

Yes I do. I want one badly. Black, slightly lowered with upgraded OEM or Bentley rims and that's it, just like the photo. $10-12k will buy you an almost mint and loaded W12 and $5-6k will get you a pretty good 8 cyl. It won't be a daily driver but rather a weekend/leisure cruiser, like my Boxster but with a different purpose.

Is it crazy? Most owners seem to talk rather well about these cars. Maintenance is high but not like most older Euro luxury cars - there doesn't seem to be any horror stories about blown engines, exploding hydraulics, electrical fires, etc. Any input?

Check the reputation of the service department of your VW dealer. In general, VW service has a terrible reputation here in the US.

********************in Ride! If it is out of production maintenance will be costly

You are going to need someone that can work on the car especially the W12. Do you have someone? I would not count on the local VW dealer since this car has been out of production for some time plus they never sold a lot of them.

A W12 in a VW is pretty cool though!

I had a 8 hour test drive in a 8 cyl. Phateon when they were new. It's amazing How well it drives, handles, & very comfortable. Fantastic sound system also.