Compact hatchback Nissan Note E12 (2013–2020) remains one of the most sought-after budget cars on the secondary market. It is valued for its practicality, efficiency and unpretentiousness, but like any used car, it has its own characteristics. In this article we have collected real owner reviews o Nissan Note with mileage, analyzed typical problems, compared them with competitors and gave practical advice on choosing.
The car is positioned as a city compact van with a high ceiling and a spacious interior, but in reality it is often bought as an alternative Toyota Yaris or Hyundai i20. What do owners say after 3–5 years of use? Is it worth taking Note with mileage of 100+ thousand km or is it better to consider other options? Let's figure it out without embellishment.
Pros of the Nissan Note E12: why it is chosen aftermarket
Main advantage Nissan Note E12 - this is ratio of price and spacious interior. Despite its compact external dimensions (length 4.1 m), inside it feels much larger than Kia Rio or Volkswagen Polo. The owners especially praise:
- 🪑 High ceiling — even tall passengers can sit comfortably in the back without feeling cramped.
- 🚗 Trunk volume 354 l (up to 1336 liters with seats folded) - more than most of its classmates.
- 💰 Low cost of ownership: cheap maintenance, available spare parts, economical engines.
- 🛣️ Soft suspension, smoothes out bumps on bad roads well.
Another plus - reliable naturally aspirated engines. Basic HR12DE (1.2 l, 80 hp) and more powerful HR16DE (1.6 l, 110 hp) are known for their durability with regular maintenance. Owners note that even with a mileage of 150–200 thousand km, engines do not require major repairs if there has been no oil starvation.
Many also praise simplicity of design — there are no complex electronics (except for top versions) that are expensive to repair. For example, climate control is only included in the package Tekna, and in basic versions - a conventional stove with mechanical control.
If you plan to take Nissan Note for taxis or car sharing, take the version with an engine HR16DE — it pulls better at low speeds and wears out less in the urban cycle.
Cons and typical problems: what owners complain about
Despite the advantages, Nissan Note E12 There is disadvantages that sellers are silent about. The main complaints of the owners are related to:
- 🔊 Noisy interior — at speeds above 90 km/h, wind noise and rumble from the wheels are heard (especially with factory tires).
- 🔋 Weak battery — many complain that the standard battery fails after 2–3 years.
- 🛑 Brake system: the rear drums require adjustment every 20-30 thousand km, and the pads wear out faster than those of competitors.
- 🔥 Electrical problems in top versions (for example, glitches of the multimedia system or tire pressure sensor).
One of the most common complaints is corrosion of sills and arches. Even with a short mileage (50–80 thousand km), the first spots of rust may appear if the car was operated in regions with salt on the roads. The owners also note:
- 🔧 Weak stabilizer links — they have to be changed every 30–40 thousand km.
- 🚪 Flimsy plastic interior parts (for example, door handles or glove compartment).
- ⚙️ CVT Jatco JF015E - with a mileage of over 100 thousand km, it may begin to “kick” or twitch if you do not change the oil every 60 thousand km.
- Up to 50 thousand km
- 50–100 thousand km
- 100–150 thousand km
- More than 150 thousand km
Particular attention should be paid CVT. Many owners complain about Gear shifting problems on cold startif the oil was not changed on time. Also, after 120–150 thousand km, the variator belt may need to be replaced (cost: from 30 thousand rubles).
⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive Nissan Note With a CVT you hear a hum or vibration when accelerating, this may indicate wear on the bearings or belt. It’s better not to take such a car or bargain for a discount of 20–30 thousand rubles.
Comparison with competitors: which is better - Note, Yaris or i20?
On the secondary market Nissan Note E12 competes with Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20 And Kia Rio. To understand which is more profitable, let’s compare the key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Note E12 | Toyota Yaris | Hyundai i20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2016, 80 thousand km) | 650–750 thousand rubles | 750–850 thousand ₽ | 700–800 thousand ₽ |
| Fuel consumption (1.6 l, city) | 8.5–9.5 l/100 km | 7.5–8.5 l/100 km | 8.0–9.0 l/100 km |
| Engine reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (HR16DE - resource 300+ thousand km) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1NR-FE - resource 400+ thousand km) | ⭐⭐⭐ (G4FG - problems with the timing chain) |
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (soft suspension, high ceiling) | ⭐⭐⭐ (hard suspension, cramped interior) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (good sound insulation, quality materials) |
Conclusion: Nissan Note wins by space and price, but loses Toyota Yaris in reliability and efficiency. Hyundai i20 more modern, but more expensive to maintain. If you need budget family car with a large trunk, Note - a good choice. If the priority is resource and reliability, better look to the side Yaris.
If you choose between Nissan Note And Kia Rio, pay attention to the mileage: Rio after 100 thousand km, problems with the timing chain often begin, and Note — with a variator.
Which engine to choose: 1.2 or 1.6?
On Nissan Note E12 installed two gasoline engines:
- 🔹
HR12DE(1.2 l, 80 hp) - economical, but weak for country trips. - 🔹
HR16DE(1.6 l, 110 hp) - more dynamic, but a little more voracious.
1.2 liter engine Suitable for city use if you do not plan to drive on the highway often. Its advantages:
- 💵 Fuel consumption in the city is 6.5–7.5 l/100 km.
- 🔧 Simple design, timing belt (change every 120 thousand km).
- 🚗 Lighter in weight, which has a positive effect on the service life of the suspension.
However, on the track he dull — you have to overtake with the throttle, and on climbs a lower gear is switched on. 1.6 liter engine is devoid of these shortcomings, but has its own nuances:
- 🛢️ Consumption in the city — 8.5–9.5 l/100 km (on the highway — 6.0–6.5 l).
- 🔥 Higher load on the variator if you don’t watch the oil.
- 💨 Timing chain (resource 150–200 thousand km, but requires a tension check).
Owners Note 1.6 note that the car runs better with air conditioning and not so “thoughtful” when overtaking. However, if you drive mostly around the city, the difference in dynamics is not so noticeable, and there is no point in overpaying for 1.6.
How to check timing chain on HR16DE?
On a cold engine, listen to the engine at idle speed. If you hear a metallic ringing or knocking sound, the chain is stretched and requires replacement. You can also remove the timing cover and visually assess the sagging (the norm is up to 1 cm).
CVT or manual: which is more reliable?
On Nissan Note E12 Two gearboxes were offered:
- 🔄 CVT Jatco JF015E — smooth, but demanding of maintenance.
- ⚙️ Manual transmission (5 or 6 speeds) - simple and reliable.
CVT provides comfortable gear shifting, but has a number of disadvantages:
- 🛢️ Oil needs to be changed every 60 thousand km (cost: 5–7 thousand rubles).
- 🔥 With a mileage of over 150 thousand km, a belt replacement may be required (30-40 thousand rubles).
- 🚫 Doesn’t like sudden starts and towing.
Mechanical box free of these problems, but less comfortable in traffic jams. The owners note that the manual transmission is Note practically does not break even with a mileage of 200+ thousand km, if you don’t “kill” the clutch. However, it is more difficult to find a car with manual transmission on the secondary market - most copies are equipped with a CVT.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy Nissan Note with a CVT, be sure to check the oil change history. If the previous owner did not change the oil for more than 80 thousand km, the risk of gearbox failure increases 2-3 times.
View the service book for notes on changing the oil in the variator |
Check the oil for a burning smell (if it smells burnt, the box is worn out)|
Make sure there are no jerks during acceleration (especially when cold) |
Check the oil level in the variator (should be between MIN and MAX on the dipstick)
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Which trim level should you choose: Acenta, Tekna or Visia?
On the Russian market Nissan Note E12 offered in three main trim levels:
| Equipment | Features | Cost (2017, mileage 70 thousand km) |
|---|---|---|
| Visia | Basic version: air conditioning, 1 airbag, steel wheels, fabric interior. | 600–680 thousand ₽ |
| Acenta | Average: climate control, 4 airbags, alloy wheels, multimedia system. | 680–750 thousand ₽ |
| Tekna | Top-end: rear view camera, parking sensors, leather steering wheel, LED headlights. | 750–850 thousand ₽ |
Visia - the most budget option, but many owners complain about no power windows in the rear doors and poor sound insulation. Acenta — the optimal choice: it already has climate control and a multimedia system with Bluetooth, which makes travel more comfortable.
Tekna It's worth taking only if you care parking sensors and rear view camera. However, it is in this configuration that electrical problems most often arise (for example, display or sensor glitches). Also in Tekna installed LED headlights, which are more expensive to replace than halogen ones Visia/Acenta.
If your budget is limited, it is better to take Acenta in good condition than Tekna with a mileage of 150+ thousand km. The difference in equipment is not worth the potential problems with electronics.
How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Note E12?
One of the main advantages Nissan Note is low cost of ownership. Let's look at the main expenses:
- 🛢️ Fuel: with a combined cycle (city/highway), the consumption of a 1.6-liter engine is 7.5–8.5 l/100 km. You can refuel with 92-octane gasoline.
- 🔧 TO: Changing oil and filters costs 3–4 thousand rubles (every 10–15 thousand km).
- 🚗 Spare parts: original parts are more expensive, but there are inexpensive analogues (for example, stabilizer struts - 1.5 thousand rubles per pair).
- 🛡️ Insurance: OSAGO - 5-7 thousand rubles, CASCO (if necessary) - from 20 thousand rubles per year.
Average annual maintenance costs (with a mileage of 20 thousand km/year):
| Expense item | Cost (₽/year) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (1.6 l, 8 l/100 km, 92 petrol) | 70 000–80 000 |
| Maintenance (oil, filter, pads) | 15 000–20 000 |
| Repairs and spare parts (medium wear) | 10 000–30 000 |
| Tires (summer + winter tires) | 25 000–40 000 |
Total: 120,000–170,000 rubles per year (excluding insurance and unforeseen repairs). It's cheaper than maintaining Toyota Yaris or Volkswagen Polo, but more expensive than Lada Vesta.
Top saving tip: Change the oil in the engine and variator regularly. This will avoid expensive repairs and extend the life of the car to 300+ thousand km.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Note E12
❓ How long does the HR16DE engine last with proper maintenance?
With regular oil changes (every 10–15 thousand km) and the use of high-quality fuel, the engine life will be HR16DE amounts to 300–400 thousand km. The main thing is to monitor the timing chain (change it when stretched) and prevent overheating.
❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Nissan Note?
Technically Nissan Note E12 can tow a trailer weighing up to 900 kg (for version 1.6 l). However, owners do not recommend using the car for towing often - this increases the load on the variator and reduces its service life. If a trailer is needed, it is better to choose a version with a manual transmission.
❓ What is the real fuel consumption of Nissan Note 1.6 with CVT?
According to owner reviews:
- 🏙️ City: 8.5–9.5 l/100 km (in winter up to 10–11 l).
- 🛣️ Highway: 5.5–6.5 l/100 km (at a speed of 90–110 km/h).
- 🔄 Mixed cycle: 7.0–8.0 l/100 km.
Consumption depends on driving style: with aggressive acceleration it can increase by 1–2 liters.
❓ Which tires are best for a Nissan Note?
Factory wheel size - 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16 (for version Tekna). Owners recommend:
- 🌨️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Michelin X-Ice North.
- ☀️ Summer: Toyo Proxes CF2 or Continental EcoContact 6.
You should not install tires wider than 195 mm - this will worsen handling and increase fuel consumption.
❓ Is it worth taking a Nissan Note with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km?
Purchase Nissan Note with mileage 150–200 thousand km possible, but you need to consider:
- ⚙️ The variator will require an oil change and possibly a belt (cost - 30-50 thousand rubles).
- 🔧 The suspension for this mileage is usually worn out (struts, silent blocks, wheel bearings).
- 🔥 The engine may require replacement of the timing chain (to
HR16DE) or valve cover (oil leak).
If the car is in good condition and has a service history, you can bargain for a discount 30–50 thousand rubles from the market price. It is not recommended to take it without history.