1996 Nissan Maxima SE review from North America

Just one thing after another... bought the car at 64000Km from a dealer. Within one week it was returned for clutch problems, and engine light.

While they were servicing it, at their cost...we bought an extended warranty - the starter went and they accidently cut a brake line while replacing it.

We got the car back, the clutch was no longer doing the shimmy. Within 6 months the the clutch was slipping. Car went back to the dealer, they replaced the clutch AGAIN under warranty. Clutch continued to slip. Car dealer, said no more clutches. We took it to a private mechanic, he confirmed clutch was slipping. Pulled the clutch, this time he took a better. The fly wheel was the culprit and it was warped. Called the orginal dealer, they paid half. * note I have drove a manual transmission my whole life and never burnt out one clutch. This car was clutch glitched. Now it has had three clutches. The third clutch and fly wheel came to $1400.

To this day...2 years later no more clutch problems - touch wood.

Next: radiator started leaking - new rad was installed.

Next: a sound that appeared to be coming from the transmission started out of the blue. Sounded like bearings going around and around.

Transmission shop confirmed there was a bearing in the tranny that was gone. When you replace the incoming bearing, seems it comes in a kit and all bearings had to be replaced. $1800. Under warranty again - we bought the extended warranty thank gawd. So now the transmission is rebuilt. *note - the transmission co. stated it would not be covered under warranty if it was due to neglect... we baby this car and knew it was not due to us driving it badly. Verdict came back that is was normal wear and tear. PHEW!

Next there was a crack sound when we backed up. A distinct medal on medal crack. Mechanic after mechanic could do nothing more than guess where it was coming from.

Front end shop said maybe it is a front axle, no one drove it over curbs... what the heck was happening - only 90 something clicks.

Axle was changed $500.+ Cracking sound remained... one day it just disappeared on its own. It was a mystery.

Now at 122,000K, we notice it started blowing blue smoke when it is cold and when you shift. Sounds like valves... Has not been checked yet.

Drips of oil are happening under the car now too.

Can't determin where it is coming from.

What next?/?

But did I mention the BOSE stereo system... the best thing about the entire car... you can turn it up and up and it never distorts.

Seats are comfortable. Leather has lasted.

How do you spell L E M O N?