The only minor things I had to repair were the rear window belt, and both the front ball joints.
At around 79k I had to fix a leak in the exhaust manifold, which was making a very noticeable blow by sound. Cost over $500. Apparently this is common in the 3.0.
The transmission went out at 104k which lead to its sale. Apparently this is common also.
All in all this car was very good to me. It gave a very solid and high end feel. The motor still purred when I sold it, and was probably ready to go another 100k. The transmission thing really bothered me though. My car was always properly maintained and never spared any expense. My neighbors beat 89 cavalier has 157k on it. These cars are supposed to be "reliable Japanese vehicles", yet this problem is very common. I might consider buying another one of these, but I would only get the five speed. Funny that's what a popular consumer publication told me to stay away from. Also don't think all these cars are rocketships. My moms Buick Lesabre would have wasted that thing. It did handle well though. The keyhole for the door locks quit working after a winter of nonuse. Road noise in this car was nonexistent.
I'm sorry that happened to your car. Most everyone who has ever had a Maxima, including myself with three going on four of them, including a 1994, loves these things. They're positively indestructible. My 1994 had well over 170k on it when I sold it with the original transmission and was still running strong. (Even though I had beaten it to hell.)
And what's this about a Buick being faster than a 1994 Maxima? There's no way. Maybe yours had some problems with fuel intake or something, buuuut no. Haha.
Some of those Buicks will surprise you. definitely the one's that are supercharged.
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