so ever since it started getting cold, i would hear a little noise right when i would start the car as if metal was grinding. the noise gradually got worse until one day, the car wouldnt even start. it took a long-*** time to get it started. i bought an autozone starter ($140) and the next day a mechanic put it in for $40. the car would now start easier with the new starter but the noise was still bad. i left the car like that for like a week and today, i went to autozone, took out the starter, and exchanged it for a new one since they have lifetime warranties. i also cleaned the throttle body. now everything is good. thanks for the help guys.

 

Should have tried this first:

http://www.motorvate.ca/auto/maxima/starter/starter.htm