Faults:

1. The rear brakes were gone when I purchased it. They had actually seized from not being used. I had to replace the disks and calipers as well as valve that distributed rear brake pressure. Total cost: approximately $1000 (including certification for the carand labour costs).

2. The connecting rod to the windshield wipers had corroded over the years and snapped on a cold winter day. They had to be replaced because you need wipers in winter. To access the wiper motor is so cumbersome that the labour cost far exceeded the cost of the component, Total cost: approximately $450.

3. I noticed an engine coolant leak recently and had the car overheat on the highway from a severe loss of coolant. I had my mechanic inject some fluorescent dye into the coolant so we could detect the leak. It turns out I needed a new water pump. The pump is also cumbersome to reach and replace, so the labour cost of this was high. Total cost: exactly $745.

General Comments:

This is a great car to drive, but expensive to maintain.

The car is quick when pushed, but beware with the heavy foot. My baby is a thirsty beast and you'll pay at the gas pumps.

I'm use to driving smaller cars so I'm a bit annoyed at the Maximas larger turning radius, especially when trying to maneuver through downtown Toronto traffic.

There are several electrical "quirks" with the car. I noticed that my left headlight comes on intermittently when driving. Any clues what the problem is? It's not the fuse or light bulb for sure! Also, the back lights for the control panel and clock are starting to switch off an on during driving.

Besides that, the interior is a dream with stylish, functional decor and very comfy black leather interior. Very sexy.

Faults:

The thermostat went out and it cost me $65.00 to replace had to have the belts replaced, the a/c blew out a week ago, had to replace the water pump and radiator. Started shaking like it was a stick shift that is about to go off if the clutch isn't depressed, My a/c heat control is stuck from warm to hot so summer is a nightmare.

General Comments:

I love my care because being a 12 yr old car it runs like a dream, it costs a lot to repair, but it is a really really dependable car if taken care of.

Faults:

My problem is that my car consumes 19 L per 100 km.

Please give me an advice.

The current car, 1992 Nissan Maxima, 3.0 L, 4 doors, was a good car until this January 2004 when the temperature gauge on the board stopped to work properly. Practically, almost all the time indicated very close to C - Cold engine. I went to a mechanic who changed the temperature termostat. After that the temperature indicator started to point middle level (as normal) between Cold and Hot, but in the same time the fuel consumption increased. Before this change, the car consumed 8.7 L per 100 Km on highway and 12 L in the city.

I took my car to Nissan dealer for a computer reading, but the Nissan's mechanic told me that he couldn't identify any problem?!?

I was surprised, but I noticed that the car is still consuming 19L per 100 Km.

It is a nice car and I would like to fix it, but I do not know how.

I would really appreciate your help. Please e-mail it at.

sgbirsan@sympatico.ca.

Thanks,

Sorin.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and accelerates very well.