2014 Nissan Note: Pros, Cons and What You Need to Know Before Buying

Nissan Note second generation (body E12) is a compact hatchback that has gained popularity due to its practicality, efficiency and low price on the secondary market. The 2014 model became a transition: it received an updated design, improved sound insulation and an expanded range of engines compared to the debut 2013. But is it worth buying? Note today, 10 years later? In this material we will analyze technical features, typical breakdowns, nuances of operation and will provide a checklist for inspection before the transaction.

The car was positioned as an urban “workhorse” with an emphasis on a spacious interior (despite its modest dimensions) and low fuel consumption. In 2014 Nissan Note offered with gasoline engines 1.2 (79 hp) and 1.5 (98 hp), as well as diesel 1.5 dCi (90 hp) - the latter is rare and requires special attention. Transmissions: 5-speed manual or CVT Xtronic. The latter often becomes the subject of controversy among owners.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Note 2014

Under the hood Note E12 In 2014, three types of engines were installed, each of which had its own characteristics. Gasoline HR12DE (1.2 l) - naturally aspirated engine with a timing chain drive, known for its reliability, subject to timely maintenance. More powerful HR15DE (1.5 l) was also equipped with a chain, but some owners complain about increased oil consumption after 150–200 thousand km. Diesel K9K (1.5 dCi) is economical, but sensitive to fuel quality and requires regular oil changes every 10–15 thousand km.

Transmissions:

• 🔧 5-speed manual — simple and reliable, but noisy at high speeds.
• ⚙️ CVT Xtronic — smooth, but afraid of overheating and requires frequent oil changes (every 60 thousand km).

Parameter	1.2 (HR12DE)	1.5 (HR15DE)	1.5 dCi (K9K)
Power, hp	79	98	90
Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km	5.2	5.8	3.8
Timing drive	Chain	Chain	Belt
Resource to capital, thousand km	300+	250–300	200–250

Important: the Xtronic CVT on the 2014 Nissan Note does not have its own oil cooler - cooling is carried out through a heat exchanger in the engine block. When driving or towing aggressively, the risk of transmission overheating increases by 2-3 times.

Weaknesses and typical breakdowns

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan Note E12 has several “diseases” that you should know about in advance. Most often, owners encounter:

• 🔥 CVT overheating - especially relevant for cars with mileage over 100 thousand km. Symptoms: jerking during acceleration, burning smell, error P17F0 (CVT oil overheating).
• 💧 Seal leaks - front and rear crankshafts, as well as the camshaft oil seal (on 1.5 engines).
• 🔊 Creaks and knocks in the suspension — stabilizer struts, bushings and shock absorbers wear out (lifetime ~80–100 thousand km).
• 🔋 Electronics problems — ABS sensors fail, the on-board computer malfunctions, the headlight bulbs burn out.

Diesel versions Note suffer from EGR valve contamination And turbine breakdowns after 150 thousand km. Gasoline engines are more durable, but require monitoring of the oil level - this is especially true HR15DE, prone to “oil burning” when running over 200 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: If, when inspecting the car, you find that the oil in the variator is black or has a burning smell, it is better to refuse the purchase. The cost of a CVT overhaul may exceed the market price of the CVT itself. Nissan Note.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Reviews on forums and social networks about Nissan Note 2014 polar. Someone praises the car for spacious salon (despite its compact size), low fuel consumption And ease of maintenance. Others scold for noisy suspension, poor sound insulation and problems with the variator. Let's look at the main points:

Pros:

• 🚗 Spacious salon — high seating position, large trunk (350 l), folding rear seats.
• ⛽ Economical — gasoline consumption in the city does not exceed 7–8 l/100 km (for 1.5).
• 💰 Low cost of ownership - cheap spare parts, simple design.

Cons:

• 🔊 Noisiness — at speeds over 90 km/h, a rumble from the wheels and wind can be heard in the cabin.
• ⚙️ Unreliable variator - Requires careful operation and frequent oil changes.
• 🛠️ Weak corrosion resistance — sills and wheel arches rust after 5–7 years of operation.

Many owners note that Note ideal for the city, but on the highway it feels lack of power (especially version 1.2). They also often complain about inconvenient location of the gearshift lever — it is too high, which creates discomfort on long trips.

Checklist for inspection before purchasing

If you decide to buy Nissan Note 2014, use this list for diagnosis:

Pay special attention to:

• 🔍 CVT — check for jerks during acceleration, burning smell, and oil leaks.
• 🔧 Suspension — knocking noises when passing speed bumps indicate wear on the shock absorbers or struts.
• 💡 Electrics - turn on all consumers (lights, heater, music) and check if the voltage drops.

If the seller refuses to provide a service book or repair history, this is a reason to be wary. It is also worth checking the car through services Autocode or CarVerticalto exclude hidden accidents or mileage “twisted” back.

⚠️ Attention: Often found at Secondary market Nissan Note with a broken gearbox. If the PTS specifies a CVT, but the car has a manual transmission (or vice versa), this is a sign of fraud. It is better to refuse such a purchase.

Cost of ownership and spare parts

One of the main advantages Nissan Note E12 is low price of spare parts. Most parts are unified with other models Nissan And Renault (for example, with Micra K13 or Almera G15). Average prices for popular spare parts (new, not used):

Detail	Price, ₽	Resource, thousand km
Stabilizer links (pair)	1 500–2 500	60–80
Brake pads (front)	2 000–3 500	40–60
CVT oil (4 l)	3 000–4 500	60
Timing belt (for diesel)	4 000–6 000	100–120

The cost of maintenance (oil change + filters) in the service costs 3 000–5 000 ₽. Overhaul of the variator may require 80 000–120 000 ₽, so it is important to monitor its condition. Engines HR12DE And HR15DE are considered “millionaires” with proper care, but require high-quality oil (for example, Mobil 1 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Special Tec AA).

Insurance (OSAGO) for Nissan Note 2014 costs on average 5 000–7 000 ₽ per year (depending on the region and driver experience). Casco will be more expensive - from 20 000 ₽, but it is rarely issued for a car older than 10 years.

Alternatives to Nissan Note 2014 on the secondary market

If Nissan Note does not fully meet your requirements, consider analogues:

• 🚘 Toyota Yaris (XP130) - more reliable, but more expensive to maintain.
• 🚗 Hyundai i20 (GB) — more modern interior, but worse sound insulation.
• 🚙 Kia Rio (JB) - cheaper to repair, but less spacious interior.
• 🚖 Renault Sandero (2nd generation) - similar platform, but weaker dynamics.

Compared to competitors, Note wins due to spacious trunk And high rise, but loses in comfort And transmission reliability. If you need a car for the city with minimal repair costs - Nissan Note will do. For long trips it is better to consider Toyota Yaris or Mazda 2.

Comparison of Nissan Note and Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris XP130 is more reliable in terms of gearbox (robot or manual), but its interior is less spacious. Spare parts for Yaris are 20–30% more expensive, but the engine life is longer (up to 400 thousand km versus 300 thousand km for the Note).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note 2014

How often do you need to change the oil in the 2014 Nissan Note CVT?

Official regulations - every 60 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or frequent traffic jams, it is better to reduce the interval to 40–50 thousand km. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or analogues (Idemitsu CVTF, Ravenol CVT).

Is it possible to tow a trailer with a Nissan Note with a CVT?

Technically it is possible, but with reservations: the maximum trailer weight is up to 600 kg (without brakes) or 900 kg (with brakes). However, towing increases the load on the variator, which reduces its life. If you plan to frequently transport a trailer, it is better to choose the manual version.

What oil should I fill in the 1.5 engine (HR15DE)?

Recommended viscosity - 5W-30 or 5W-40 (according to classification API SN or ILSAC GF-5). Popular options: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200, Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30. Refill volume - 3.8 l.

What should you do if the “check” light comes on on the dashboard and the car jerks?

Most likely the problem is related to CVT (error code P17F0) or engine sensors (For example, P0300 — misfires). Required:

1. Check the oil level in the CVT.
2. Read errors via diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).
3. If the error is related to the variator, contact a service center for an oil change or repair.

How much does a contract engine cost for a Nissan Note 2014?

Price depends on mileage and condition:

• HR12DE (1.2) — 80 000–120 000 ₽.
• HR15DE (1.5) — 100 000–150 000 ₽.
• K9K (1.5 dCi) — 120 000–180 000 ₽.

Before purchasing, check the motor for compression and hidden defects.