Couple of maxima questions

just got my 1996 maxima se like a week ago. few questions

1. shifting to first gear and second is sometimes not smooth. it doesnt grind at all but i have to push a little and it feels a little choppy. id say maybe half of the time i shift this happens, other half it goes in easier. this is my first stick car so i dont rly have a point of reference if this is just how sticks are.

2. i want to get a tune up but i want to you high quality plugs and stuff for better performance. can i just bring my car to a mechanic and they will have performance plugs? or do i have to buy them myself. i have zero knowledge when it comes to doing this kind of stuff myself.

3. is it always hard to shift fast when first learning a stick? it takes me a little over 1 second to shift, maybe 2. is shifting fast something i will learn? or is it cuz of the problem i mentioned in my first question. also if i just push my shifter harder to shift faster will i damage my car?

i live in LA, by venice blvd and wade. anyone in the area know any reliable mechanics? i just moved here from MA

man go out and get a haynes manual or something they are like 15 bucks and will help you out greatly. changing spark plugs in the max is easy as long as you have a long extension on your ratchet. it might take you a half an hour to an hour to change the plugs and air filter and oil the first time. but after that you know how to do it.

anyone can help me with my other questions?

my 95 se seems a little sticky on the shifts sometimes too.. yeah it takes a little while to time the shifts right and to do it quickly

it doesnt mean i will need a new transmission does it? cuz thats so much money

Ok people hard shifting caused by 1 or more things. Since the maximas have a hydralic clutch you might need some fluid in there ( BRAKE FLUID). 2 it might need to be adjust on the clutch pedal, and 3 is might need to be bleeded up front.

Brake fluid is full, just added it when i bought the car. so thats not it.

are 2 and 3 covered in a tune up? and if not how much do they usually cost. can u give me a ballpark?

You can have your local mechanic do that not so expensive just like bleeding you brakes. Adjusting your clutch takes about 10-15 min first time. Not so hard both you can do it. But if you want a mechanice do it should not cost above $100 at the most.