I've a 3.0 VQ '97 Max SE with 91k miles on the odo. Just had an oil analysis done using M1 SS 5W-30. Results were great in comparison to the Oil Analysis Spreadsheet on Maxima.org.
Lots of good advice in above posts, NGK plugs, Nissan coolant, OEM filters, ect. I use M1 and Redline MT-90 in the tranny and Redline SL-1 additive.
My starter went at 75k miles which is very common. The engine emits a huge cloud when the starter is going bad as the rpm isn't up to what the computer is looking for. I changed the starter myself. Those bolts are on there very, very tight. I wish manufacturers used never-sieze during assembly!
My Max doesn't seem to suffer from any major problems. Seems like some in my model year had problems with incorrect bearing shim in the transaxle leading to excessive seal wear and fluid leakage as well as ultimate failure. Not exactly common, but its out there.
The alternator was just replaced at 85k for free on a recall. At 90k I replaced the idler pulley ($60) which tensions the drive belt as it made some noise. Beyond that, at 91k miles it is astounding how well this car runs. I make a bi-annual run from the east coast to St. Louis. Out on the interstate, when I slide into 3rd gear at 4k at 60 mph and go WOT to 6500 redline, there's not much on those long stretches that can pull on the Max.
[ April 18, 2003, 09:32 AM: Message edited by: ex_MGB ]