I just bought a 97 maxima a week ago.
Drove it smoothly for 4 days without problem
except there was a scratching sound when starting.
However, all of sudden I couldn't start it although there was
turning over. Couldn't jump-start and had it towed
to garage. The mechanics checked it a whole day
and could't find the problem. Finally they thought
the timing chain or ECU is dead. Is it possible?
I quite doubt about the ability of those mechanics.
No start with cranking should be very easy to
pinpoint the failing part, right?

 

How much gas is in the car? I just recently helped some chicks out that couldn't start their car. It was turning over but wouldn't stay on. I put my battery charger on it and it wouldn't do anything. Her gauges said there was a quarter tank left, but I threw another two gallons in and started up. This was a Pontiac Bonniville though so this thought may not apply.

 

Ouch if it is the timing chain.