1991 Nissan Maxima SE from North America - Comments

At about 150K, 2 of 6 fuel injectors started going bad. As soon as problems (engine stutter, poor running performance) began, I drove it at least 3-5K before needing to change the injectors. I changed all 6 at the same time, even though there were only 2 causing the issue. That cost approximately $1000 ($600 for 6 injectors, $400 for labor + some gaskets changed in the process).

At about 190K, the original transmission started slipping. I am not sure if it were worn transmission bands or if it was failing "coils" or "packs" (in other words, the electronics that mitigate which bands are engaged - shifting). I quickly purchased a used transmission from a wrecking yard and had a shop install it. Used tranny was $700, labor was about $400, but also R/R'd the engine/tranny mounts, which added another 300-400, making a total of about 1500, spent on transmission.

I have 1 or 2 hydraulic lifters that have "dried" up and cause some chattering when engine is cold. After warm up, the chatter is gone. But turn the engine off for even 10-20min, the chatter will return. I have yet to decide to fix it or wait until the engine gives up. This started at about 170K.

Regular maintenance includes:

1. Timing BELT (OoOoOO) every 2 years (about $100 parts + labor)

2. Drain and fill tranny fluid every 6 months - cheap if you do it yourself.

I once ran over a football sized rock that was in the middle of a 50mph zone. It wrecked my driver side front strut and swaybar. I thought the car was dust, as I was sure there was significant damage to the strut tower or it wouldn't be worth it to fix. The result was only the strut was damaged and the swaybar was bent. I replaced the strut ($200 parts/labor) and got an aftermarket swaybar ($400 front and back). I guess this is a comment on durability, but of course your "mileage" might vary.

This car has lasted up to now, 200K+ miles. With proper maintenance and care, I truly believe this car can last a long time.

For the the age of this car, this car still looks up-to-date and stylish.

Mileage is about 20-23mpg with 50%hwy 50%city driving.

For a nearly 2 decades-old car, it still has sufficient power to keep up with the newer cars. I'm not talking about racing anything; I'm talking about power to get on highways, running smoothly, retaining smooth idling at stoplights, strong startups (although I live in good weather, northern Calif.)

You could try a "fix in the can" to reduce that lifter noise in your high mileage engine: Lucas Oil Oil Stabilizer.

RE: Lucas Oil Stabilizer, by OP

Thanks for the input. I've used it for about 2 years (so, consistently in about 6-8 oil changes). Even with the Lucas oil in along with the regular oil I used, I still get the tick. I'm going to try put another mechanic-in-a-can in the oil and see what happens; Mystery Oil. I'm crossing my fingers something else doesn't get screwed up ;)