What kind of car are you looking for? A NEW Nissan Maxima is about $50k (taxes in, in Canada). That's a big budget. Are you wanting a luxury car, which is what I would consider a Maxima, or more of a compact car?
I suggest you get the consumer report book. I did that when purchasing my first new car and ended up getting the Mazda 3. It was the lowest price of the three imports I was looking at (Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla), came with the most options, and had the best consumer rating. I was so happy with it!! I drove it for 4 years without putting ONE cent into it other than oil changes. I traded it in last year for the MazdaSpeed 3 (same idea, but with a turbocharger - the car is FAST). I love it even more. My fiance has also driven Madas for the last 10 years and he loves them too. Neither of us has put any repair money into our cars. I have two friends with Mada 3s and they haven't put any money into them either.
My boss owns a Nissan Murano and he's had a lot of problems with it. Some sort of electrical issue that left him stranded many many times. He said he would never buy another one. However, another ex-boss of mine owned a Maxima and really liked it.
Do a lot of research. Consumer ratings should influence your decision.
__________________ David & Denise  ... proud parents of Ozzy  |