1991 Nissan Maxima review from North America

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.

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.