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Hi, I am looking at buying a NZ new 2005 Nissan Maxima, with 100,000km on clock, and 4 speed auto. The Internet is littered with complaints of premature gearbox failure for this model. I will get the vehicle AA tested prior to purchase.
My question is: What is the likelihood of the gearbox failing in the next 50,000km. Is it 20% (in which case I would buy the vehicle) or 90%, in which case I would not buy the vehicle.

We're told that the 2005 Maxima with the 4 speed auto was OK, but there are no guarantees. However, there are precautions you can take when buying to help protect yourself. If the trans fluid is a clear red colour, it would indicate a transmission in good order. If the fluid has turned a darker brownish colour, this indicates excessive wear is taking place or perhaps the trans has been overheated. If the car has a towbar, try to find out what it has been used for (ie; a 20 foot boat would be a potential problem, a bike rack would be great - but no towbar would be better still!).
It's not possible to put a percentage figure on whether it is likely to fail or not, but you can minimise the risk by making a few simple checks.