Faults:

I have already changed out 5 engine coils.

Idle control valve.

Knock and 3 O2 sensors.

Front end support.

RPMs shoot up over 3000.

Speed increases to 40-45 mph by itself.

General Comments:

I loved this car for years, until I bought one.

It rides nice, handles good and is pretty comfortable, when it works.

I am lucky that I can perform general car care, but have been soaked dry because every couple months it's another sensor, valve, coil or some other obscure part that just happens to have been placed INSIDE motor so everything has to come out to get to it.

And now no one can figure out why car speeds up by itself (and no, not a Toyota joke) and rpms go sky high to over 3000.

I got money in it now, but I guess I should cut my loses and just buy American.

Faults:

Minor exhaust leak at muffler -- expected wear.

Tie-rod ends -- expected wear.

Seized rear brake caliper.

General Comments:

I bought a well-maintained one-owner '99 Maxima ES with automatic, alloys, the electronic climate control, power heated seats, and traction control, when it had 176K on the odometer. Now, it's at 192K, and it's been pretty well trouble-free, except for things (see above) that are expected to fail on a ten-year-old car. It seems the most important thing with these cars, is to keep the V6 tuned up, and the body and undercarriage clean so as to prevent rust (this one has been rustproofed since new).

The Max, as we call it, performs well, handles nicely, and is good in the snow (we use snow tires). The V6 likes the (premium) fuel, and is a little thirsty for the size of the car, but not an outright guzzler. We also prefer the looks of the '99 model to the '00; not to mention this one was still built in Japan (better quality, perhaps?)

Overall, I'm pleased with our Maxima. It's provided the same service to us as a vehicle that would be half as old, and cost twice the price.

Yet another good example of why used Japanese cars are generally such a good value.

Faults:

Coils misfiring again.

General Comments:

The only problem I've had is with the coils misfiring, second time having coils replaced. I think I'm getting ripped off with the cost of a coil ... I saw at one website that they cost %55.48, however Meineke is charging me $194.00 for one coil and $84 labor. I think that is way too much ... I wish I had come to this site before I took my car in ... actually, all I did was take it in for an inspection and so far it has cost me $1,488.00 and it's still misfiring and the 'check engine light' is still on. Now what???