Virtually, nothing has been replaced on this car besides regular maintenance items. I have replaced the rear oxygen sensor (1 of 3 total on the car) which cost $90 in parts. The other two O2 sensors cost approximately $100 each.
The Nissan Maxima's face has changed in the past couple of years. Before Nissan really pushed the Maxima as a "sport sedan", many underestimated or did not expect the "peppiness" of this car.
Mated with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Maxima is fairly quick and handles its own on the freeway. In no way is it a sportscar. Yet, the car is the fastest in its class for this year (1996).
There is also a fair amount of aftermarket support for the 1995-newer Maxima enthusiast.
The view from inside the car is unobstructed with few blind spots.
With stock suspension, it handles average or below average.
The powerful, yet durable V6 is a joy to drive. It seems to never run out of breath and is like a tank. I have heard of drivers running up to 300,000 miles on the VQ 3.0 liter and have done so without babying it. Truly, this car is dependable and very affordable.
Nissan gets two thumbs up!
VQ in the Nissan (Maxima) is very reliable and efficient. We have a 1995 (GXE) 5spd that is still running very well at 433000km. Surprisingly at that mileage it still has a lot of performance in it. The only thing that failed on this car is the starter, but nothing substantial, just regular oil changes and tune ups keeps this car going forever.
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