Nissan Note 2008: what do owners say after 15 years of use?

In 2008 Nissan Note The first generation (E11) has already firmly occupied its niche in the compact hatchback market. A car built on a platform Renault-Nissan B0, offered an unusual ceiling height for the class, a practical interior and economical engines. But what remains of these promises after 15 years? In this article we have collected real reviews from owners 2008 Nissan Note, analyzed typical problems and assessed whether this car is worth buying today.

Feature Note — its “tall” form factor, which many call a “minivan.” This is not just a marketing ploy: the interior is really more spacious than competitors like Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz. But how does this affect handling? And which engines turned out to be the most reliable? The answers are in our analysis.

Engines and transmissions: which choice is the best?

In 2008 Nissan Note offered with three petrol engines: 1.4 (88 hp), 1.6 (110 hp) and turbocharged 1.5 dCi (106 hp) from Renault. According to the owners, the most balanced option is 1.6 liter HR16DE. It is powerful enough for urban conditions, but not as thirsty as a turbodiesel.

But with 1.4 many complain about the lack of dynamics, especially when fully loaded. Diesel 1.5 dCi economical (consumption ~4.5 l/100 km), but requires high-quality fuel and breaks down more often due to the turbine and injection system. Owners of diesel versions note that repairs are 2-3 times more expensive than gasoline counterparts.

• 🔧 HR16DE (1.6) — the most reliable, resource 300+ thousand km with proper maintenance
• ⛽ KR14DE (1.4) — economical, but weak for the highway (maximum speed ~ 160 km/h)
• 💨 K9K (1.5 dCi) — low consumption, but expensive to repair (turbine, injectors)

For gearboxes, the choice is simple: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The mechanics are reliable, but some owners complain about unclear gear shifting. Automatic DP0 (from Renault) with proper operation it runs 200+ thousand km, but is afraid of overheating and requires regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km).

Typical breakdowns and weak points: what to look for when purchasing

Even the most reliable car develops “diseases” after 15 years. U Nissan Note 2008 There are several typical problems that owners warn about:

⚠️ Attention: If during inspection you see rust on the rear arches or sills, this is a reason to bargain or refuse to purchase. Note The first generation is prone to corrosion, especially in places where the paint has chipped.

• 🔥 Electrics — ABS sensors often fail, on-board computer fuses blow, and the central locking malfunctions
• 🛞 Suspension — knocking noises in the front struts (shock absorbers and support bearings), wear on the silent blocks of the rear beam
• 🔋 Battery — a weak generator (especially on cars with air conditioning) leads to rapid battery discharge
• 🚗 Salon — plastic creaks, door trim peels off, seat adjustments break

One of the most unpleasant discoveries - crankshaft oil seal leak on engines HR16DE. If you do not monitor the oil level, this can lead to oil starvation and major repairs. Also, many owners complain about headlights fogging — the problem can be solved by sealing, but requires disassembling the optics.

Problem	Average repair cost (2026)	How to check when purchasing
Crankshaft oil seal leak	12 000 — 18 000 ₽	Check the oil level and any leaks under the engine
Replacing shock absorbers	20,000 - 30,000 ₽ (set)	Drive over uneven surfaces - knocking noises from the front indicate a problem
Turbine repair (1.5 dCi)	40 000 — 70 000 ₽	Listen to the engine at idle - a whistle or noise indicates a malfunction
Generator replacement	15 000 — 25 000 ₽	Check the voltage on the battery with the engine running (should be 13.8–14.4 V)

How to check a generator without instruments?

Start the car, turn on the headlights and heater. If the brightness of the headlights changes when you press the gas, the generator cannot cope with the load.

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs factory data

The manufacturer declared for Nissan Note 2008 the following consumption indicators:

• 1.4 — 6.2 l/100 km (combined cycle)
• 1.6 — 6.8 l/100 km
• 1.5 dCi — 4.7 l/100 km

But real reviews from owners paint a different picture.

For 1.4 liter engine The average consumption in the city is 8–9 l/100 km, on the highway - 5.5–6 l/100 km. 1.6 consumes 9–10 l/100 km in the city and 6–7 l/100 km on the highway. Diesel 1.5 dCi really economical: in the city 5–6 l/100 km, on the highway - up to 4 l/100 km. However, many note that after 150 thousand km, diesel consumption begins to increase due to wear and tear of the fuel equipment.

⚠️ Attention: If fuel consumption on gasoline versions exceeds 12 l/100 km in the city, this is a sign of a malfunction (clogged injectors, oxygen sensor or air leaks).

Consumption is greatly influenced by driving style and vehicle loading. For example, with a full load (5 people + luggage) Note with engine 1.4 can consume up to 11 l/100 km in the city. Also, many owners note that after replacing the air filter and spark plugs, consumption decreases by 0.5–1 l/100 km.

Handling and comfort: the pros and cons of a “high” hatchback

Thanks to the high body (1550 mm) and large windows Nissan Note provides excellent visibility. This is especially valuable in the city, where it is important to see pedestrians and curbs. However, a high seating position also has a downside: at higher speeds 120 km/h the car becomes less stable, especially in crosswinds.

The suspension is soft and energy-intensive, smoothes out bumps well, but rolls appear on sharp turns. The steering is light, but not informative - many owners complain about insufficient feedback. The brakes are effective, but can overheat when used intensively (for example, in mountainous areas).

• ✅ Pros:
• 👍 High seating position and excellent visibility
• 👍 Soft suspension for comfortable driving around the city
• 👍 Small turning radius (4.9 m) — convenient for parking
• ❌ Cons:
• 👎 Poor stability at high speeds
• 👎 Poor noise insulation (especially at speeds >100 km/h)
• 👎 Fuzzy steering

The owners note that Note ideal for the city, but on the highway it is inferior to more “squat” competitors like Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. Also, many complain about poor noise insulation: at speed 110+ km/h the cabin becomes noisy.

Interior and ergonomics: convenience or saving on small things?

Salon Nissan Note 2008 made of cheap plastic, which begins to creak over time. However, ergonomics are excellent: all controls are at hand, and the high ceiling allows even tall drivers to comfortably accommodate. Trunk volume 251 l (up to 1332 l with the seats folded down) is one of the most spacious in the class.

Among the problems:

• 🪑 Seats — insufficient lateral support, after 5–7 years the filler sags
• 🚪 Doors — the skin peels off, window lift mechanisms break
• 🎛️ Dashboard — symbols on the display burn out, the on-board computer glitches
• 🔊 Audio system - weak sound, CD player often breaks

Many owners praise Flexi-Board system — a sliding floor in the trunk, which allows you to adjust the loading height. Numerous compartments for small items are also convenient: cup holders, door pockets and a box under the driver's seat.

⚠️ Attention: If you smell damp while inspecting the interior, check the drain holes under the windshield. They often become clogged with leaves, leading to leaks and mold.

Operation of all power windows|Condition of door and seat trim|Operation of heater and air conditioner|No plastic squeaks|Operation of all buttons on the steering wheel (if any)-->

Cost of Ownership: How much does it cost to maintain a 2008 Nissan Note?

One of the main advantages Nissan Note - low cost of ownership. Compared to European competitors, spare parts and repairs are cheaper. However, there are nuances:

Expense item	Average cost (per year)	Notes
Maintenance	15 000 — 25 000 ₽	Includes oil change, filters, brake pads
Insurance (OSAGO + Casco)	12 000 — 30 000 ₽	Depends on the region and driver experience
Consumables (tires, wipers, lamps)	20 000 — 35 000 ₽	Tires 185/65 R15 cost ~4,000 ₽ per piece
Unforeseen repairs	10 000 — 50 000 ₽	Depends on the condition of the car (shock absorbers, generator, etc.)

Among the advantages:

• 💰 Low cost of spare parts - many details are unified with Renault Modus And Clio
• 🛠️ Easy to repair - most of the work can be done independently
• 🚗 Tax - total 1,500 ₽/year for engines up to 100 hp

However, owners of diesel versions note that fuel and repair costs often outweigh the savings. For example, replacing a turbine with 1.5 dCi may cost 50 000–70 000 ₽, and repair of fuel equipment - up to 100 000 ₽.

Owner reviews: honest stories from life

We analyzed hundreds of reviews on forums (including Drive2, Avto.ru and thematic groups on social networks) and highlighted the most popular opinions:

Positive Feedback:

• 👍 "The car is ideal for the city - it can be parked in any yard, the consumption is 7-8 liters. For 5 years, not a single serious breakdown!"(Vladimir, 1.6 manual transmission, 180 thousand km)
• 👍 "I bought it with 120 thousand km mileage and invested only in consumables for the year. For the price - a great option!"(Alexey, 1.4 automatic transmission)
• 👍 "Diesel is economical, but requires good fuel. If you fill up with diesel fuel from proven gas stations, there are no problems."(Igor, 1.5 dCi, 210 thousand km)

Negative feedback:

• 👎 "The body rots just horribly! 3 years after the purchase I had to weld the arches and sills."(Sergey, 1.6 manual transmission)
• 👎 "The automatic started to kick after 150 thousand km. The repair cost 40 thousand rubles."(Olga, 1.4 automatic transmission)
• 👎 "Diesel turned out to be very capricious. The turbine died at 180 thousand km, repairs cost 60 thousand rubles."(Dmitry, 1.5 dCi)

Interestingly, most of the negative reviews are related to diesel versions And automatic transmission. Owners of petrol Note with mechanics, as a rule, they are satisfied with the reliability and efficiency.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Note 2008

❓Which engine is the most reliable?

Of course 1.6 HR16DE. It is easier to maintain, has a longer service life and is less demanding on fuel quality than diesel 1.5 dCi. 1.4 KR14DE also reliable, but rather weak for the highway.

❓ How much does it cost to maintain Nissan Note 2008 in good condition?

For mileage up to 150 thousand km, annual costs will be 30 000–50 000 ₽ (including maintenance, insurance and minor repairs). After 200 thousand km, the budget can increase to 80 000–100 000 ₽ due to wear of the suspension and other components.

❓ Is it worth buying Note with automatic transmission?

Only if the car has low mileage (up to 120 thousand km) and has a history of regular maintenance. 4-speed automatic DP0 requires oil changes every 60 thousand km. If this condition is met, the box runs for a long time.

❓ How to deal with corrosion?

Inspect the sills, arches and underbody regularly. At the first sign of rust, treat problem areas rust converter and apply anticorrosive. Many owners recommend additional treatment ML-mastic once every 2–3 years.

❓ Which tires are best to choose for Nissan Note 2008?

Optimal size - 185/65 R15. Suitable for the city Nokian Hakka Green 2 or Michelin Energy Saver. For winter, many choose Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Continental IceContact 3.