In 2013, the compact car market experienced a real sensation with the release of Nissan Dayz. Created in close collaboration with Mitsubishi, immediately attracted attention as an economical and stylish solution for the city. However, behind the external cuteness and low price there are many technical nuances, which owners talk about in their reviews after years of operation.
Many potential buyers are looking for information about how reliable HR12DE engine and whether it can withstand Russian realities. Owner reviews Nissan Dayz The 2013 model year is controversial: some praise its incredible efficiency, while others are faced with problems with the CVT. In this article we will analyze real-life operating experience, technical features and pitfalls that you may encounter.
Design and ergonomics: how the car feels inside
The first thing that catches your eye is Nissan Dayz 2013, is its high seating position and enormous visibility. The salon seems more spacious than it actually is, thanks to the vertical layout and panoramic windows. Owners note that adults feel quite comfortable even in the back seat, although this car is not intended for long trips.
The interior is made of hard plastic, but it is well put together. The instrument panel looks modern for its time, and the multimedia system, when installed from the factory, operates intuitively. However, it is worth considering that there is practically no sound insulation in this car. At a higher speed 60 km/h The cabin becomes quite noisy due to the wind and engine operation.
- 🚗 High seating position provides excellent visibility of the road and pedestrians
- 📦 Spacious trunk thanks to folding seats
- 🔇 Poor sound insulation requires additional improvements
The ergonomics of the driver and front passenger seats are thought out to the smallest detail. All controls are within easy reach, and the steering wheel height adjustment allows you to find a comfortable position even for short drivers. Reviews often mention that the climate control works effectively, quickly warming up the interior in winter.
Engines: reliability and operating features
Under the hood Nissan Dayz In 2013, a naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter engine with the index is most often installed HR12DE. This engine has three cylinders and develops 80 horsepower. Despite its small volume, it has enough traction for city driving thanks to the variable valve timing system.
Owners note that the engine is very economical. In the urban cycle, fuel consumption rarely exceeds 6 liters for 100 kilometers. However, there are some nuances: during active driving, the engine runs loudly and vibrates, which is typical for three-cylinder units. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the cooling system, as overheating can lead to serious consequences.
- ⛽ Low fuel consumption even in traffic jams
- 🔧 Simple and reliable engine design
- 🌡️ Sensitivity to coolant quality
There is also a turbocharged version, but it is less common. Owners of such versions complain about more complex repairs and the need to use only high-quality fuel. For normal city use, the atmospheric version is the preferable choice due to its unpretentiousness.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used copy, be sure to check the condition of the timing belt. On this engine it has a life of about 100,000 km, but if it breaks, the consequences will be catastrophic.
Transmission: problems with variator and mechanics
Most Nissan Dayz 2013 models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission Jatco. This is one of the weakest points of the car. Reviews from owners are full of complaints about jerks, kicks and delays when shifting gears, especially after 80,000 km mileage The variator is very sensitive to overheating and requires regular oil changes.
A manual transmission is rare, but it is considered the most reliable transmission option for this car. Manual transmission owners note the ease of shifting and the absence of problems with the clutch, even at high mileage. If durability is important to you, it's worth looking for a manual version.
- ⚙️ The variator requires an oil change every
40,000 km - 🛑 Jerking when switching is a common problem at mileages above
60,000 km - 🔩 Mechanics are more reliable, but more difficult to control in heavy traffic
When operating the variator, it is necessary to avoid sudden starts and slipping. It is also important to monitor the transmission temperature in hot weather. Overheating can lead to failure of the valve body or steel belt. Owners often install additional cooling radiators to extend the life of the unit.
- CVT (CVT)
- Mechanics (manual transmission)
- Automatic (automatic transmission)
- I don't know
Electrical and electronics: frequent failures
Electronic filling Nissan Dayz 2013 has its own characteristics. Owners often encounter problems with the operation of sensors, especially the tire pressure sensor and stability control system. Sometimes the error may appear for no apparent reason, requiring a reset via the diagnostic scanner.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the windows and central locking. In cold weather, mechanisms can freeze, and wiring sometimes frays in places where there are frequent bends. The battery has a short lifespan, especially if the car is used frequently for short trips.
- 🔋 Frequent battery replacement due to short trips
- 📉 Tire pressure sensor errors
- 🚪 Door locks can jam in the cold
The keyless entry system works reliably, but the key fob can quickly run out. It is recommended to always have a spare key with you, since the main one may run out of charge and leave you on the street. The reviews also mention cases of spontaneous shutdown of the multimedia system.
⚠️ Attention: If errors occur on the dashboard, do not ignore them. Even if the car drives, this may indicate a serious electronic problem.
☑️ Electrical check before purchase
Fuel consumption and efficiency
One of the main reasons for its popularity Nissan Dayz is its low fuel consumption. In urban conditions, especially in traffic jams, a car consumes on average 5.5–6.5 liters for 100 kilometers. On the highway at speed 90 km/h consumption is reduced to 4.5 liters.
However, it is worth considering that the actual consumption depends on the driving style and condition of the car. If the engine requires maintenance or the CVT is having problems, consumption can increase significantly. It is also important to use high-quality fuel, since the engine is sensitive to octane number.
- 📉 Urban cycle:
5.5–6.5 l/100 km - 🛣️ Route:
4.5–5.0 l/100 km - ⛽ Requires AI-95 gasoline
Owners note that even with active driving, consumption does not exceed 8 liters, which is an excellent indicator for a car of this class. Fuel savings are especially noticeable on your daily commute to work or school. The average real fuel consumption for the Nissan Dayz 2013 is 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers combined.
For maximum fuel economy, try to keep your speed between 60-80 km/h and avoid sudden acceleration. This will extend the life of the variator and reduce consumption.
Suspension and handling
Suspension Nissan Dayz tuned for comfort. It absorbs small bumps well, but can be harsh on large potholes. Owners note that the car is stable on the highway, but rolls are possible in corners due to the high seating position.
The steering is light and responsive, making parking in tight city spaces easy. However, at high speeds the steering becomes too light, which can be a concern. It is also worth monitoring the condition of silent blocks and levers, as they may require replacement after 60,000 km mileage
- 🛣️ Soft suspension for the city
- 🔄 Easy steering
- 🏎️ Significant roll in corners
Winter operation of the car can be complicated by the lack of all-wheel drive (in basic versions). On slippery roads, front-wheel drive Dayz requires careful driving. Owners recommend installing winter tires with a high level of grip.
What to do if the suspension becomes noisy?
If you hear knocking in the suspension, check the stabilizer struts and silent blocks. Often replacing these inexpensive parts will solve the noise problem.
Comparison with competitors and final verdict
Comparing Nissan Dayz 2013 with competitors such as Daihatsu Mira or Mitsubishi eK Wagon, one can note its advantage in interior design and comfort. However, in terms of transmission reliability, it is inferior to some analogues with a manual transmission.
Overall, this is a great car for the city if you are willing to keep it in good condition. When purchasing a used vehicle, be sure to conduct a full diagnostic of the engine and variator. Do not skimp on maintenance, as this is the key to a long service life for your car.
- ✅ Pros: efficiency, design, visibility
- ❌ Cons: poor sound insulation, problems with the variator
- 🏆 Verdict: a good choice for the city with proper maintenance
If you are looking for a reliable city car with low fuel consumption, Nissan Dayz 2013 could be a great option. The main thing is to carefully select a specimen and carry out regular maintenance.
Despite some issues with the CVT, the 2013 Nissan Dayz remains one of the most fuel-efficient and comfortable city cars in its class when maintained regularly.
Which engine is more reliable: naturally aspirated or turbocharged?
Atmospheric engine HR12DE much more reliable and cheaper to repair. Turbocharged versions require more careful maintenance and high-quality fuel.
What is the real fuel consumption of the 2013 Nissan Dayz?
In a combined cycle, the actual consumption is approx. 6.2 liters per 100 km. In the city it can reach 7 liters depending on traffic jams.
Is it worth buying a Nissan Dayz with a CVT?
You can buy, but only after a thorough diagnosis of the variator. Be sure to check for jerking and change the oil when purchasing.
How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?
It is recommended to change the oil in the variator every 40,000 km mileage or once every 2 years, depending on operating conditions.
What are the main electrical problems with this model?
Common problems include failure of tire pressure sensors, rapid battery drain, and power windows failure in cold weather.