I have written a couple of times about my 08 Maxima.  The last time the Check Engine Light came on, I got the following codes PO335, PO725, U1000, C1130, and PO456.  I replaced the Crank Sensor and that solved all of the problems.  I decided to get a car that would last at least 250K miles so I listened to your advice and bought a 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis that only had 54K miles on it.  It sill had the original tires on it!  I sold the Nissan for $6500 and bought the Mercury for $7000.  I miss the fancy Bose Stereo that was in the Nissan along with the keyless ignition but it is nice not worrying about a CVT that had 160K miles on it.  I hope you are correct about the dependability of the Ford but I did notice that when I looked on line, most that were for sale had well over 100K miles on them so as long as I take care of it, I should not have many problems!  Still not sure what exactly is wrong with my 2006 BMW Z4 but I am going to let a garage do the work this time since I don't have a ramp that will allow me to get under the car.  I think the grinding I hear when going up hill is the drive shaft, center bearing.  A car that small having a 2 piece drive shaft and you have to remove all the exhaust and heat shields before you can even get to it just blows my mind.