I have a lot of mechanical knowledge. My friend is unloading all his problem vehicles on me starting with a 2003 BMW K1200 LT motorcycle, 1995 RV, 2015 Honda no-start Civic, and today a 2009 Nissan Maxima V6 with 173K miles.

I have not worked on Nissans before and was looking for a little guidance on known problems.

He bought the car from brother in law summer 2020 with about 170K miles. Not maintained very well.

Needs a full tune up. Has some power steering issue? Wheel bearing front pass side is noisy (I will replace).

Today coming off highway ramp car died and would not restart. After letting it sit for 10 min or so it was able to restart.

Key fob batter is low - works but must be closer to car before it will unlock.

This is about all I know. Thoughts, links, suggestions appreciated.

 

As your friend purchased a poorly maintained machine I would start with the basics.
#1 Scan for codes. If there are any, then focus there.
#2, As you mentioned, take care of the known items and
#3 catch up on the maintenance (Change all fluids (brake, radiator, cvt, oil) and then as you mentioned, get the plugs changed. Don't forget to clean those battery terminals as you disconnect and reconnect to perform the other maintenance. Our Maximas are VERY sensitive to voltage changes.
#4, and I can't stress this enough, Educate your friend on how to properly maintain their vehicle. Help him get a maintenance schedule established and stick with it. We need to break the cycle of poor maintenance.

 

#1 I scanned for codes yesterday and the software reported the the ECU did not have any stored codes.
#2 I agree - but always hesitate as I once did a full service on a Nissan Altima, replaced a CV axle, and all motor mounts only to find out that the car randomly shuts off - and the owner neglected to mention that. Had I known I would have started there before doing the rest of the work.
#3 I'll inspect the battery posts - every car I work on from this person including the motorcycle the battery hold downs are never in place.
#4 I've been doing that. In the case of his 2015 Honda Civic - he bought it brand new and put 170K on it and did almost nothing. Motor mounts are totally gone and struts are original! bottom of the car is hammered on from bottoming out! I also recommend owning few vehicles and maintaining them better.

Thanks, I'll update if / when I find out more