Faults:

Purchased at auction for $1750 at 112,000 miles. So I can't have too many complaints.

-Replaced timing belt and water pump immediately - about $500 (the service records were actually all available at the local dealer, so I was reasonably sure this had not been done)

-The radio never worked.

-Replaced the starter and finally then the ignition switch. (now I have two keys).

-There was some funniness with the alarm - can't quite recall. I think it was that a couple of times the alarm wouldn't stop and would run the battery down. Still have the alarm, as I recall the battery was already run down and made the alarm flip out. Something strange like that.

-Replace CV joint more than once and CV boots.

-The left rear window slipped off its track. never fixed.

-break work done somewhere in there (rotor replaced?)

-Steering fluid leak. Was told it could be $1000 to fix, but replaced the most egregiously leaking hose for $200 and haven't lost any fluid since. (might be some damage done during that time, but haven't noticed anything)

-worked on the A/C, but now the cooling/heating slider is stuck on hot. I put the heat on the defrost and turn the AC on and manage okay.

-Clock works when it wants to.

General Comments:

Wondering if it's about time to get rid of it. It didn't pass CA smog recently. I can either apply for the state assistance to fix up the smog and take on the other upcoming repairs, or I can get $1000 to retire it. Leaning towards taking the $1000 at the moment, but still unsure.

I've been told by a couple of mechanics that it's ripe for a big repair. (but I've heard that before) The clutch was specifically mentioned. There's also some other repairs coming up: new rotor fairly soon, break pads etc. CV boots too. plus the little things I won't fix.

Gas mileage in the low 20s (although I haven't tracked it recently)

I've seen some other Maxima's in here that have gone for over 300,000 miles and I am loath the scrap a good car, but considering the cost effectiveness, I'm considering buying something 1998 or newer with lower miles and just applying the $1000 from the state towards that.

Considering what I paid for it, it doesn't owe me anything... yet. Appreciate input.

Faults:

Most or all of the window actuators had to be replaced. I think this was a common problem, and once they were replaced the windows have worked fine.

Something under the hood was making a "clicking" sound, so I took it to a mechanic and he replaced it for about $60. He also said that this was a common problem for Nissan. I can't remember what it was, though.

The speedometer and the tachometer messed up and, somehow, it would show that I was going 15mph when the car was in park because the car was idling at 1500rpm (15-1500, and as I would rev my speed would go up accordingly). Worse yet, it was putting miles on the car while in park as well! The whole unit had to be replaced, which cost about $150. Very strange problem.

Timing belt, gaskets, etc. replaced at about 60,000 miles as is suggested. Oil changes were always kept up with as well, except a few times when I lost track of the mileage.

The original Bose speakers went crazy at one point (think of random horrible loud noises) and were replaced along with the tape deck, which still worked (I think we still have it too).

General Comments:

My parents got this car when it was new, slightly discounted because it had "hail damage" (barely noticeable). I got it when I turned 16 and, 5 years later, I still have it.

The transmission is still fine. The alternator had to be repaired, but only because I think my amp was too much of a drain on it. The engine is still very quiet, and the car certainly still has a lot of get up and go.

The interior is nicer than I see from many new cars. All the lights and buttons still work, though the clock is dim sometimes. The seats are probably a little dirty (my fault), but comfortable.

Steering is great, gas mileage is still good, A/C and heat work great, cruise control works... the sunroof works as well. And, my radio antenna still goes completely down. A little grease is all it takes.

I love my car and I'm planning on fixing a few small dents and getting it painted. It has at least 100,000 miles left to put on it, if not more.