The 2008 Nissan Note remains one of the most popular compact hatchbacks on the secondary market in Russia and the CIS countries. This model, which replaces the outdated platform, offers a unique combination of minivan practicality and city car dynamics. Owners appreciate spacious salon and a high seating position, which makes driving comfortable even in heavy traffic.
When choosing a 2008 model, it is necessary to take into account the age of the car and the characteristics of its operation in our climatic conditions. Series engines HR are considered reliable, but require regular maintenance of the cooling system and gas distribution mechanism. Body elements, despite improved galvanization compared to their predecessors, are still susceptible to corrosion in areas of chips and on thresholds.
Design features and body design
Appearance Nissan Note The first generation (E11) was dictated by functionality. The high roof and short front end provide excellent visibility, which is critical for novice drivers. The window line runs high, creating a feeling of spaciousness inside, and large door glass allows you to monitor your blind spots.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the paintwork. Factory paint on 2008 models is not highly resistant to reagents and sandblasting. Thin layers of enamel quickly chip, allowing moisture to reach the metal. Regular inspection of the hood and fenders will help identify rust spots at an early stage.
The door system deserves special mention. The rear doors open at an angle of 90 degrees, making it easier for passengers to get in and out. However, over time, the lock mechanism may begin to creak or jam due to wear on the guides. It is recommended to check the condition of the seals, as their destruction leads to water entering the interior and corrosion of the door cards.
- 🚗 The high driver position provides excellent visibility in city traffic.
- 🛠️ The gaps between body panels are often uneven due to assembly features.
- 🔧 The rear doors have a wide opening range for the convenience of passengers.
Engines and transmission: what you need to know
Under the hood of the 2008 Nissan Note, naturally aspirated gasoline engines of 1.4 and 1.6 liters are most often found. Base motor CR14DE (1.4 l, 83 hp) is considered the simplest and most repairable. It is not equipped with a variable valve timing system, which reduces the risk of costly breakdowns, but also does not provide high acceleration dynamics.
More powerful unit - HR15DE (1.5 l) or HR16DE (1.6 l, 110 hp) - equipped with a system CVTC (Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control), which changes the intake valve timing. This provides better low-speed traction and economy. However, the camshaft position sensors in these engines often fail, causing floating speed and loss of power.
The engines are paired with both a manual transmission and a CVT. The mechanics are reliable, but have a short lever stroke and a stiff clutch pedal. CVT Jatco RE0F09A series requires strict adherence to oil change regulations. Ignoring the replacement of fluid in the variator every 40-50 thousand kilometers is guaranteed to lead to failure of the valve body and cones.
Fuel consumption for the 2008 Nissan Note varies from 6.5 liters in the city for the 1.4-liter engine to 8.5 liters for the 1.6 version. On the highway at a speed of 90 km/h, consumption stabilizes at 5.5–6 liters. In winter, when warming up and using the stove, the numbers can increase by 1.5–2 liters, which is the norm for naturally aspirated engines of this class.
- ⚙️ The HR16DE engine requires replacing the timing chain only when noise appears (usually after 200 thousand km).
- 🛢️ The Jatco variator requires an oil change every 40-50 thousand kilometers.
- 🔋 Ignition coils on 1.6 l engines often fail, causing misfires.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a car with a CVT, be sure to check for errors in the transmission temperature and the condition of the valve body. Overheating of the box leads to its complete failure.
- 1.4 l (CR14DE)
- 1.5 l (HR15DE)
- 1.6 l (HR16DE)
- CVT/Mechanics
Suspension and steering
The front suspension of the Nissan Note is made according to the MacPherson strut system, and a torsion beam is used at the rear. This design provides a good balance between comfort and handling. The shock absorbers and springs are designed for a soft ride, which is great for rough roads, but reduces steering precision at high speeds.
The steering is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS), which is located on the steering rack. This solution simplifies the design and reduces the weight of the vehicle. However, the EUR control unit is sensitive to voltage drops in the on-board network. If the generator or starter malfunctions, the power steering may turn off, making the steering wheel heavy.
The chassis has a margin of safety, but the silent blocks of the levers and the bushings of the anti-roll bar are consumables. Their replacement is required every 40–60 thousand kilometers, depending on the quality of the road surface. A knocking noise in the front suspension is often caused by wear on the strut support bearings.
☑️ Checking the suspension during inspection
Symptoms of steering rack wear
If you hear a metallic knock from the front when driving over uneven surfaces, and the steering wheel vibrates when braking, most likely the bushings or the rack itself are worn out. Repair requires replacement of bushings or replacement of the assembly.
Electrical and electronic systems
The electronic content of the 2008 Nissan Note is not overloaded with complex systems, but it has its own “sores”. The main problem is the oxidation of contacts in the fuse and relay box located in the engine compartment. Moisture and chemicals enter the housing, causing corrosion, causing headlights, power windows, or cooling fans to fail.
ABS and ESP sensors often give false alarms due to dirty or damaged ring sensors on the hubs. If the brake system fault light comes on on the dashboard, the first thing you need to do is check the integrity of the wiring and the condition of the sensors. Replacing the wheel bearing assemblies often solves this problem.
The immobilizer and central locking system also requires attention. Pancake keys have a built-in antenna, which can come off or break over time. If you lose a key, programming a new one requires special equipment and a vehicle PIN, which can only be obtained from a dealer or through the VIN database.
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the engine compartment is a common cause of failure of electrical appliances.
- 🚨 The ABS light may come on due to dirt on the wheel speed sensors.
- 🔑 The key card may stop opening doors if the built-in battery is low (in some versions).
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to reflash the engine control unit or ABS yourself without the appropriate experience. An error can lead to complete blocking of the vehicle control system.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the operation of all windows and mirrors, since replacing motors and door wiring is an expensive procedure.
Interior and comfort: ergonomics and materials
Salon Nissan Note The 2008 is made of hard plastic, which over time can begin to creak when driving over uneven surfaces. The speakers of an acoustic system are often not mounted firmly enough, which creates unpleasant resonances. However, the space inside the car is truly impressive: front passengers and the driver have excellent freedom of movement.
The seats have a comfortable shape and good lateral support, but the fabric upholstery gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean. In winter, heated seats work effectively, but the heating elements may burn out due to power surges. The rear bench folds 60/40, increasing trunk volume, but the floor remains uneven.
Air conditioning and heater provide quick heating and cooling of the interior. The air conditioner evaporator tends to become clogged with dirt and mold, which causes an unpleasant odor when the ventilation is turned on. Regular dry cleaning of the ventilation system and replacement of the cabin filter are mandatory to preserve the health of passengers.
Despite the hard plastic, the 2008 Nissan Note's interior ergonomics remain among the best in class thanks to its high seating position and well-designed control layout.
Typical faults and repairs
2008 Nissan Note owners face a number of common problems that should be taken into account when planning their repair budget. The most expensive component is the variator, the failure of which can cost half the market value of the car. Regular oil and filter changes are the key to long transmission life.
The HR16DE engine may suffer from oil burns at high mileage (more than 150 thousand km) due to stuck piston rings. This requires a major overhaul of the engine or replacing the rings without boring the block. Thermostats also often fail, leading to engine overheating, which is unacceptable for aluminum cylinder heads.
Body corrosion is another serious problem. Sills, arches and the bottom are susceptible to rotting, especially if the car was operated in regions with aggressive reagents. When purchasing, be sure to put the car on a lift and carefully inspect the hidden cavities. The presence of rust in power elements may be grounds for refusing to purchase.
| Knot | Typical problem | Symptoms | Approximate mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVT | Valve block wear | Jerks when switching, kicks | 100,000+ km |
| Engine HR16DE | Occurrence of rings | Increased oil consumption, blue smoke | 150,000+ km |
| Suspension | Wear of silent blocks | Knocking, wobbling steering wheel | 50,000–70,000 km |
| Electrics | Oxidation of contacts | Failure of headlights, power windows | Any |
| Body | Threshold corrosion | Visual traces of rust | 10 years+ |
What to do if the Check Engine light comes on?
If the light comes on, don't panic. First, check to see if the gas filler neck is open tightly (the vapor recovery system may react to this). If the problem persists, connect a diagnostic scanner to read the error codes.
Conclusion and recommendations for choosing
The 2008 Nissan Note is a car that offers maximum space for minimal money. Its reliability directly depends on its service history. A car with a CVT that has been looked after will serve faithfully, while a neglected car will turn into an endless source of problems. When choosing, give preference to cars with a full package of documents and service history.
Be sure to check that the car is legally clean and that there are no liens. Hidden damage after an accident may not be noticeable at first glance, but will manifest itself in the form of problems with body geometry and the operation of safety systems. A thorough inspection and professional diagnostics before purchasing will save you tens of thousands of rubles in the future.
If you're looking for a practical family car for city and country trips, the 2008 Nissan Note is a great choice if you choose it wisely. Don't go for the cheapest options, as the cost of repairs often exceeds the cost of the car itself. Invest in inspections and repairs to enjoy comfort and reliability.
The main advice when buying a 2008 Nissan Note is that priority should be given to the condition of the transmission and the absence of hidden corrosion, since repairing these components is the most expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which engine is better to choose: 1.4 or 1.6?
The 1.4 engine (CR14DE) is easier to maintain and cheaper to repair, but it is less dynamic. The 1.6 engine (HR16DE) is more powerful and more economical thanks to the CVTC system, but requires more careful maintenance of the timing chain and sensors. For a city with frequent traffic jams, 1.4 may be sufficient, but for the highway it is better to take 1.6.
Is it possible to drive a Nissan Note with a CVT in winter?
Yes, but with caution. The variator takes time to warm up. For the first 10-15 minutes of driving, you should avoid sudden accelerations and high speeds. It is recommended to use the “Winter” mode (if available) or start driving in a low gear (D1) to warm up the transmission.
What oils are suitable for the HR16DE engine?
The manufacturer recommends using oils with a viscosity of 5W-30 or 5W-40 with API SN/SM or ILSAC GF-5 approvals. Original Nissan oil is a good choice, but high-quality analogues from trusted brands are also suitable. Change the oil every 7-8 thousand kilometers, and not according to the regulations of 15 thousand.
How much does it cost to replace a CVT on a 2008 Nissan Note?
The cost of a contract CVT with mileage ranges from 30 to 50 thousand rubles. A new original CVT costs significantly more, often exceeding the cost of the car itself. Repairing the current variator (replacing the valve body, cones) will cost 40-70 thousand rubles, depending on the complexity of the work.
How reliable are the electrics in the 2008 Nissan Note?
In general, the electrics are reliable, but have weak points: oxidation of contacts in the engine compartment, ABS sensors and ignition coils. These problems are easily solved by prevention and timely replacement. The main problem is corrosion of the wiring in the doors, which needs to be checked regularly.