Nissan Note The 2018 model year is a compact hatchback that combines practicality, efficiency and modern technology. The car has become a popular choice among city dwellers due to its compact size, maneuverability and low cost of ownership. However, like any machine, Note 2018 has its own characteristics that are important to consider when purchasing and operating.
In this article we will look at the key aspects Nissan Note 2018: from technical characteristics to typical “illnesses”, and we will also give practical advice on maintenance. You'll learn what to look for when inspecting a used vehicle, how to extend the life of your car, and what alternatives you should consider. The article will be useful to both potential buyers and current owners.
Technical characteristics and configurations
Nissan Note 2018 was offered in several modifications, differing in engines, transmissions and equipment levels. Basic versions come with 1.2 liter petrol engine 73 or 80 hp (depending on the market), and top ones are more dynamic 1.5 liter engine with a return of 98 hp. Both units are paired with a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission.
A special feature of the model is the platform Nissan V, which provides good handling and comfort on city roads. The suspension is softly tuned for a smooth ride, but there can be a slight rolliness at higher speeds. Combined cycle fuel consumption varies from 4.9 l/100 km (for 1.2 manual transmission) up to 6.2 l/100 km (for 1.5 with CVT).
- 🔧 Engines: 1.2 (HR12DE) / 1.5 (HR15DE)
- ⚙️ checkpoint: 5MT / Xtronic CVT
- 🚗 Drive: front
- 💺 Number of places: 5
- 🔋 Tank volume: 41 l
In Russia Note 2018 was offered in three main trim levels: Comfort, Elegance And Tekna. The latter included climate control, a rear view camera, a multimedia system with navigation and a leather steering wheel. However, even the basic version was equipped ESP, ABS and six airbags, which made the car safe for its class.
- 1.2 (economical)
- 1.5 (dynamic)
- I don't know, I haven't decided yet
- I'm interested in another option
Strengths and weaknesses of the model
Nissan Note 2018 has a number of undeniable advantages, but also some disadvantages that you should know about in advance. Among the advantages, owners most often note:
- 💰 Low cost of ownership: cheap maintenance, available spare parts, economical fuel consumption.
- 🚪 Practical interior: Despite its compact dimensions, the rear row surprises with its spaciousness, and the trunk can accommodate up to
355 l(up to1140 lwith seats folded). - 🎛️ Easy to control: Light steering, good visibility and compact dimensions make the car ideal for the city.
- 🛡️ Reliability: With timely maintenance, engines and gearboxes last a long time without serious breakdowns.
However, there are also disadvantages that may be critical for some buyers:
- 🚫 Noisy cabin: at speeds over
90 km/hSound insulation deteriorates noticeably, especially in the area of the wheel arches. - 🔊 Weak audio system: In the basic versions, the speakers sound mediocre, and the acoustics require improvement.
- 🛣️ Uncertain behavior on the highway: Due to the short wheelbase and high body, the car can “walk” along the lane in crosswinds.
- 🔧 Problems with the variator: If you drive aggressively or do not change the oil on time, jerks and delays may occur when switching.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to drive on the highway often, pay attention to models with 1.5 liter engine - they are more stable at high speeds. The variator requires an oil change every 60,000 km, otherwise the risk of breakdown increases by 2-3 times.
Typical problems and how to avoid them
Like any car, Nissan Note 2018 has “diseases” that appear with mileage. Knowing these weak points will help you save on repairs and extend the life of your car.
1. Problems with the variator
CVT Xtronic - a reliable unit, but only if used correctly. Main symptoms of malfunctions:
- 🔄 Jerks when accelerating or braking.
- 🔊 Extraneous noises (hum, grinding).
- 🚨Lamp lights up
Check Enginewith transmission errors.
The reasons usually lie in contaminated oil or belt wear. Solution - oil change every 60,000 km (the official limit is 100,000 km, but this is risky). Use only original oil NS-3 or its analogues (Idemitsu CVTF, Mobil CVT).
2. Leaks and drips in the cabin
A common complaint from owners is water under the floor mats or in the trunk. Sources:
- 🚿 Clogged drainage holes in the front pillars.
- 🔧 Poor fit of door seals.
- 🔽 Cracks in the windshield (especially at the base).
Prevention: clean drains (you can use compressed air), check the seals for wear and avoid high-pressure washing in the area of body joints.
3. Electrics and sensors
With mileage, malfunctions may occur:
- 🔋 Throttle position sensor (symptom: floating speed).
- 💡 Reversing lamps (often burn out due to moisture).
- 📡 Radio antennas (weak signal due to contact oxidation).
Critical Feature: Some 2018 models have a wiring defect under the front passenger seat that can cause a short circuit. Signs: spontaneous airbag deployment or heater failure. When buying used, be sure to check this area!
☑️ What to check when buying a used Nissan Note 2018
Comparison with competitors
In the compact hatchback class Nissan Note 2018 has several direct competitors. Let's see how it looks against their background:
| Parameter | Nissan Note 2018 | Toyota Yaris 2018 | Hyundai i20 2018 | Kia Rio 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used price (2026) | 700 000 — 950 000 ₽ | 850 000 — 1 100 000 ₽ | 750 000 — 1 000 000 ₽ | 800 000 — 1 050 000 ₽ |
| Trunk volume | 355 l | 286 l | 326 l | 325 l |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2 l/100 km | 4.8 l/100 km | 5.5 l/100 km | 5.3 l/100 km |
| CVT reliability | Medium (requires maintenance) | Missing | Missing | Missing |
| Noise insulation | Weak | good | Average | Average |
Main advantage Note — spacious salon And low price compared to Toyota Yaris. However Yaris wins in reliability and sound insulation, and Korean Hyundai i20 And Kia Rio offer more modern multimedia systems. If you care variator, then Note - one of the few options in the class.
The 2018 Nissan Note is optimal for those who value practicality and low cost of ownership, but are willing to put up with mediocre sound insulation and the need to carefully monitor the CVT.
Tips for operation and tuning
To Nissan Note 2018 served for a long time and pleased without breakdowns, follow these recommendations:
1. Engine and gearbox maintenance
- 🛢️ Engine oil: change every
10,000 km(or once a year). Suitable for 1.2 and 1.55W-30or5W-40(For example, Mobil 1 ESP or Liqui Moly Special Tec). - ⚙️ CVT: oil
NS-3(or equivalent) - replacement every60,000 km. Do not use universal gear oils! - ⚡ Spark plugs: original
NGK IFR6T11orDenso IK16- resource30,000 km.
2. Improved comfort
Poor sound insulation is the main complaint about Note. This is solved:
- 🔇 Additional gluing of arches and doors (StP, Bimast).
- 🎧 Installation of soundproofing panels under the hood (Shumka).
- 🚪 Replacing door seals with denser ones (for example, from Toyota).
3. Tuning and improvements
For those who love individuality:
- 🎨 Appearance: spoilers, bumper covers, window tinting (up to 30% according to GOST).
- 🔊 Audio: replacing the standard radio with Pioneer or Alpine with support
Apple CarPlay. - 💡 Light: LED lamps in headlights (Osram Night Breaker) and dimensions.
⚠️ Attention: When installing LED lamps in headlights, check their compatibility with the ignition unit. Some Chinese LEDs can cause errors on the dashboard or overheat the optics.
If your Note 2018 feels sluggish when accelerating, try resetting the CVT adaptations: start the engine, press the brake pedal and hold the gas pedal to the floor for 10 seconds. This often helps with “thoughtful” checkpoints.
Prices for spare parts and cost of repairs
One of the advantages Nissan Note is the availability of spare parts. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the region and type of parts. Here are the approximate prices for popular items (as of 2026):
| Spare part | Original (₽) | Analogue (₽) | Replacement period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil filter (1.2/1.5) | 800 — 1 200 | 300 — 500 | Every 10,000 km |
| Brake pads (front) | 3 500 — 4 500 | 1 800 — 2 500 | Every 30,000 - 50,000 km |
| Timing belt (1.5) | 5 000 — 7 000 | 2 500 — 4 000 | Every 100,000 km |
| Spark plugs (set) | 2 000 — 2 800 | 800 — 1 500 | Every 30,000 km |
| Variator oil (4 l) | 4 000 — 5 000 | 2 500 — 3 500 | Every 60,000 km |
Cost of work in the service:
- 🔧 Changing engine oil:
1 500 — 2 500 ₽. - 🛠️ Changing the oil in the variator:
3 000 — 4 500 ₽(with removal of the pallet). - 🔩 Electronics diagnostics:
1 000 — 2 000 ₽.
To save money, you can perform simple procedures (changing oil, filters, pads) yourself. There are many video instructions online specifically for Nissan Note 2018. For example, replacing the air filter takes no more than 10 minutes and does not require special tools.
How to save on maintenance?
Many procedures (changing oil, filters, pads) can be performed independently. For example, changing the engine oil will cost 1,500 ₽ with original consumables versus 4,000 ₽ for a service. The main thing is to follow the instructions and not skimp on the quality of the oil.
Owner reviews: pros and cons first hand
Real reviews help you form an objective opinion about the car. We analyzed forums and social networks where owners Nissan Note 2018 share their experiences. Here are the key points:
Positive Feedback
- 💰 “For 3 years of operation, I spent on repairs only on maintenance. The car doesn’t break down if you take care of the oil in the variator.” (Alexey, Moscow)
- 🚗 “The ideal city car - parks anywhere, consumption is 5.5 liters in the city.” (Olga, St. Petersburg)
- 👨👩👧 “Fits a child seat + stroller in the trunk without any problems. This is a great option for a family with a child.” (Dmitry, Ekaterinburg)
Negative reviews
- 🚫 “At a speed of 110+ the wind begins to blow from all the cracks. Sound insulation is terrible." (Igor, Novosibirsk)
- 🔧 “The variator began to twitch at 80,000 km. I had to change the oil and filter - it cost 10,000 rubles.” (Sergey, Kazan)
- 💡 “The headlights are weak, it’s uncomfortable on the highway at night. I had to install LED.” (Anna, Krasnodar)
Overall rating of the model among owners: 4.2 out of 5. Most complaints are related to the CVT and sound insulation, but these shortcomings are compensated by reliability, economy and practicality.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note 2018
Which engine is more reliable: 1.2 or 1.5?
Both motors (HR12DE And HR15DE) are considered reliable, but they have different features:
- 1.2 - easier to maintain, more economical, but less dynamic. Suitable for the city.
- 1.5 - more powerful, pulls better on the highway, but a little more voracious. Requires higher quality oil.
If you drive mostly around the city, 1.2 will be the best choice. Better for mixed cycle or highway 1.5.
Is it possible to put gas on Nissan Note 2018?
Technically yes, but there are some nuances:
- Engines HR12DE And HR15DE adapted for operation on gas, but require quality settings.
- It is recommended to install 4th generation HBO with lambda probe emulator.
- Be sure to reduce oil change interval to
7,000 – 8,000 km(gas dries the oil).
Average cost of installing gas equipment - 35 000 — 50 000 ₽. Payback period from 20,000 km/year.
What kind of oil should I pour into the variator?
For CVT Xtronic in Nissan Note 2018 only specialized oil is suitable:
- Original:
Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3(art.KLE52-00004). - Analogues:
Idemitsu CVTF,Mobil CVT,Ravenol CVT.
Volume for a complete replacement - 7.5 l, for partial - 4 l. Do not use ATF or all-purpose gear oils! This will lead to damage to the variator.
What is the real fuel consumption?
Actual consumption depends on the engine, gearbox and driving style:
| Engine/gearbox | City (l/100 km) | Route (l/100 km) | Mixed (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 manual transmission | 6.5 — 7.5 | 4.5 — 5.0 | 5.2 — 6.0 |
| 1.2 CVT | 7.0 — 8.0 | 5.0 — 5.5 | 5.8 — 6.5 |
| 1.5 CVT | 8.0 — 9.0 | 5.5 — 6.0 | 6.2 — 7.0 |
When using an air conditioner, consumption increases by 0.5 - 1 l/100 km.
Should you buy the 2018 Nissan Note today?
Nissan Note 2018 is a good choice if you need:
- 🚗 Compact and maneuverable car for the city.
- 💰 Low cost of ownership (cheap maintenance, economical consumption).
- 👨👩👧 Practicality (spacious interior, large trunk).
Not worth taking, if:
- 🛣️ You often drive on the highway (poor noise insulation, rolliness at speed).
- 🔧 Not ready to monitor the variator (requires regular oil changes).
- 🎵 A high-quality audio system is important (the standard one is mediocre).
The price of used copies in 2026 is from 650 000 ₽ (with mileage 100,000+ km) up to 950 000 ₽ (mileage up to 60,000 km). The best option is a used car 70,000 – 90,000 km and complete service history.