Nissan Note is one of the most popular compact vans on the Russian market, which has won the love of car enthusiasts thanks to its practicality, efficiency and Japanese build quality. However, before buying, many want to find out real reviews from owners: how the car behaves in city traffic jams, what surprises await you on the highway, and how expensive maintenance is. In this article, we collected honest opinions of drivers and analyzed typical problems of different generations (E11 And E12), and also compared Note with main competitors - Toyota Yaris Verso, Honda Jazz And Kia Soul.

We will pay special attention to key aspects: fuel consumption (real numbers vs factory data), CVT reliability (myths and facts), as well as cabin comfort for tall drivers. If you are planning to buy Nissan Note used or new, here you will find answers to questions that are not covered in showrooms. And for those who already drive this car, we have prepared list of critical components that require attention after 100,000 km.

1. Generations of Nissan Note: what to choose - E11 or E12?

First generation Nissan Note (E11) It was produced from 2005 to 2012 and became a real legend among budget family cars. The car was offered with gasoline engines 1.4 HR14DE (88 hp) and 1.6 HR16DE (110 hp), as well as diesel 1.5 dCi (86 or 106 hp). The main advantages of the version E11:

  • 🔧 Simple and cheap to repair suspension - MacPherson struts at the front and semi-independent at the rear - can withstand Russian roads.
  • 💰 Low cost of ownership: consumables and spare parts are cheaper than Toyota or Honda.
  • 🚗 Spacious salon Despite the compact external dimensions, the ceiling height of 140 cm allows even passengers 190+ cm tall to ride comfortably.

Second generation Nissan Note (E12) (2012–2020) received a more modern design, improved sound insulation and new engines: 1.2 DIG-S (98 hp) turbocharged and 1.5 dCi (90 hp). However, there are also disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Weaknesses of the variator JF015E - with a mileage of over 150,000 km, it often requires an oil change or major repairs.
  • 🔋 Electronics problems: failures of parking sensors and multimedia system NissanConnect.
  • 💸 More expensive to maintainthan E11 - original spare parts for E12 cost 20–30% more.
📊 Which generation of Nissan Note do you prefer?
  • E11 (2005–2012)
  • E12 (2012–2020)
  • I haven't decided yet
  • Other

2. Real fuel consumption: owner data vs factory statements

Official fuel consumption figures for Nissan Note often diverge from real indicators. For example, a plant declares for 1.6 HR16DE (110 hp) with manual transmission consumption 5.9 l/100 km in a mixed cycle. However, owners in reviews report the following figures:

Engine Transmission Factory consumption (l/100 km) Actual consumption (l/100 km)
1.4 HR14DE Manual transmission 5.5 6.8–7.5
1.6 HR16DE CVT 6.1 7.5–8.2
1.2 DIG-S Manual transmission 5.0 6.2–6.8
1.5 dCi Manual transmission 4.2 5.0–5.5

The difference is explained by several factors:

  1. Fuel quality: on AI-92, consumption increases by 0.5–1 l/100 km compared to AI-95.
  2. Riding style: in the urban cycle with frequent acceleration and braking, the CVT consumes 10–15% more fuel.
  3. Mileage and engine condition: after 150,000 km, consumption increases by 0.7–1.2 l/100 km due to wear of the piston rings and valves.
⚠️ Attention: Owners Note E12 with engine 1.2 DIG-S They note increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 5,000 km) during aggressive driving. The solution is to check the oil level more often and use synthetics. 5W-30 with permission Nissan.

3. CVT reliability: myths and reality

One of the most discussed issues in reviews is variator resource Nissan JF015E, which was installed on Note E12. Many are afraid to buy a car with such a gearbox because of rumors about its unreliability. However, the real picture is more optimistic:

  • ✅ When timely oil changes (every 60,000 km) the variator easily lasts 200,000+ km without repair.
  • ✅ Structurally simplerthan CVTs Toyota or Subaru - fewer electronics that can fail.
  • ❌ Sensitive to overheating: When towing or driving in hot weather (+30°C), additional cooling is required.

Typical CVT problems Nissan Note:

  • 🔊 Hum or vibration during acceleration - often associated with wear of the belt or bearings.
  • 🚨 Jerks when switching - a sign of oil contamination or faulty solenoids.
  • 💥 Box failure after 200,000 km - usually requires replacing the belt and cones (repair cost ~80,000 rubles).

Check oil level every 10,000 km|

Use only original fluid NS-2 or NS-3|

Avoid sudden starts and prolonged slipping |

Warm up the box in winter before driving (2-3 minutes at idle)|

Change oil every 60,000 km (regardless of mileage) -->

Should you be afraid of the CVT? If you plan to operate the machine carefully and monitor maintenance - no. For aggressive driving or towing, it is better to choose a version with a manual transmission.

4. Comfort and ergonomics: Is the Note suitable for tall drivers?

Despite its compact dimensions (length 4.1 m), Nissan Note surprises with its spacious interior. Main advantages:

  • 👍 High ceiling (140 cm) and large windows create a “greenhouse” effect - the cabin is light and not cramped.
  • 🪑 Seat adjustments: The driver's seat is height adjustable, and the steering wheel is adjustable for reach and tilt.
  • 🧳 Trunk volume - 350 l (up to 1,330 l with seats folded), which is more than Toyota Yaris (286 l).

However, there are also disadvantages:

  • ❌ Narrow front seats — drivers with broad shoulders may feel uncomfortable.
  • ❌ Low rise while driving, your legs are positioned almost horizontally, which not everyone likes.
  • ❌ Noisy finish: plastic on the dashboard and doors creaks on uneven surfaces (especially in E11).
⚠️ Attention: Owners with a height of 185+ cm note that when the trunk is fully loaded the back of the car sags, and the headlights begin to shine upward. The solution is to install springs with increased stiffness or headlight range control.
How to increase legroom for rear passengers?

B Nissan Note E12 You can remove the center armrest at the rear - this will give an additional 5-7 cm of legroom for the passenger sitting in the center. Also, some owners install seats from Nissan Juke (full interchangeability of fasteners), which have a deeper fit.

5. Typical problems and weaknesses: what to look for when buying?

Before purchasing Nissan Note used be sure to check the following components:

Problem Generation Reason Repair cost (RUB)
Crankshaft oil seal leak E11, E12 Seal wear after 150,000 km 8 000–12 000
Throttle Position Sensor Failure E11 Poor contact or oxidation of the connector 3 500–5 000
Corrosion of thresholds and arches E11 (until 2010) Weak anti-corrosion treatment 15 000–30 000
Vibrations at idle E12 (1.2 DIG-S) Worn engine mounts or dirty injectors 10 000–20 000

Pay special attention checking the variator:

  1. Swipe test drive with sudden acceleration - jerks or delays when switching indicate problems.
  2. Check oil color and smell in the box: if it is dark or smells of burning, the variator requires repair.
  3. Make sure no errors via CAN bus (can be checked with a scanner ELM327).
💡

Upon purchase Nissan Note E12 with mileage over 100,000 km, be sure to check the service history of the variator. If the oil has not been changed, be prepared to replace the belt and filters in the next 20,000 km.

6. Comparison with competitors: which is better - Note, Yaris Verso or Jazz?

Main competitors Nissan Note in the compact van market - Toyota Yaris Verso, Honda Jazz And Kia Soul. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter Nissan Note E12 Toyota Yaris Verso Honda Jazz Kia Soul
Used price (2018, 80,000 km) 750 000–850 000 850 000–950 000 900 000–1 000 000 800 000–900 000
Fuel consumption (city) 7.5–8.2 7.0–7.8 6.5–7.2 8.0–8.7
Reliability Average (variator) High High Medium (engines Gamma)
Interior space Excellent Good Excellent Good

Who is it suitable for? Nissan Note?

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For families - thanks to the spacious interior and large trunk.
  • 🚶 City drivers — compact dimensions and good maneuverability.
  • 💰 For budget buyers - cheaper to maintain than Toyota or Honda.

Who is better to choose competitors?

  • 🏁 For lovers of dynamic driving — Honda Jazz with engine 1.5 i-VTEC (130 hp) accelerates faster.
  • 🔧 For those who value reliability — Toyota Yaris Verso with variator Multidrive breaks less often.
  • 🎨 Design-oriented buyers — Kia Soul looks more modern.
💡

Nissan Note beats its competitors in terms of price/interior space ratio, but loses in transmission reliability and dynamics. If you need a compact van that is practical and inexpensive to maintain, this is a great choice.

7. Owner reviews: honest opinions from forums and social networks

We analyzed reviews from Drive2, Drom.ru and thematic groups in VKontakteto highlight the most common opinions of owners.

Positive Feedback:

  • 👍 "For 5 years and 120,000 km, not a single serious breakdown. Only consumables and oil. The variator works like a clock if serviced on time."(Vladimir, Note E12 1.6)
  • 👍 "An ideal car for the city - it can be parked anywhere, consumption is 7.5 liters, the interior is like a D-class."(Olga, Note E11 1.4)
  • 👍 "After Lada Vesta moved to Note - heaven and earth! Quieter, softer, more economical."(Alexey, Note E12 1.2)

Negative feedback:

  • 👎 "After 180,000 km the variator began to kick. The repair cost 70,000 rubles. - cheaper than Toyota, but still unpleasant."(Igor, Note E12)
  • 👎 "The noise insulation is terrible - you can hear everything on the highway, even with the windows closed."(Maria, Note E11)
  • 👎 "The 1.2 DIG-S engine eats oil. I had to switch to a more viscous oil 5W-40."(Dmitry, Note E12)

Neutral Feedback:

  • 🤷 "The car is good, but spare parts are becoming more expensive. Previously, racks cost 2,000 rubles, now they cost 3,500."(Sergey, Note E11)
  • 🤷 "The design is not for everyone, but it is more reliable than Renault Captur."(Ekaterina, Note E12)

8. Operating Tips: How to extend the life of your Nissan Note?

To Nissan Note served for a long time and without breakdowns, follow these recommendations:

Change engine oil every 7,500 km (synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40)|

Check the oil level in the variator every 10,000 km |

Change spark plugs every 30,000 km (original NGK IFR6T11)|

Flush the fuel system every 50,000 km (especially for 1.2 DIG-S)|

Treat sills and arches with anticorrosive every 2 years (for E11)-->

Winter operation:

  • 🔥 Use preheater (For example, Webasto) - this will reduce the load on the battery and engine.
  • ❄️ Fill in winter oil 0W-20 or 0W-30 for cold start.
  • 🚗 Check condition of rubber door seals - they become tanned in the cold and can let the cold through.

Summer operation:

  • ☀️ Follow variator temperature — if overheating above 100°C, turn on the mode Sport for forced cooling.
  • 💧 Rinse air conditioner radiator every 2 years - it quickly becomes clogged with poplar fluff.
⚠️ Attention: Owners Note E12 with engine 1.2 DIG-S note that when driving for a long time at high speeds (for example, on the highway) Oil consumption increases to 1 liter per 3,000 km. The solution is to drive in Eco or switch to higher viscosity oil.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note

❓ Which Nissan Note engine is the most reliable?

Considered the most reliable 1.6 HR16DE (110 hp) - it is easier to maintain than a turbocharged one 1.2 DIG-S, and less often requires repairs. Diesel 1.5 dCi economical, but sensitive to fuel quality. For long-term use, it is better to choose gasoline 1.6 with manual transmission.

❓ How long does the CVT on a Nissan Note last?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 60,000 km), the CVT JF015E runs 200,000–250,000 km. The main enemies of the box are overheating And dirty oil. If you ignore replacing the fluid, the resource is reduced to 150,000 km.

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

Technically Nissan Note allows towing a trailer weighing up to 900 kg (for 1.6 HR16DE). However the variator is not designed for heavy loads — regular towing reduces its service life. If you plan to transport a trailer, it is better to choose a version with a manual transmission.

❓ Which tires are best for a Nissan Note?

Optimal tire sizes:

  • For E11: 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16.
  • For E12: 185/60 R16 or 195/55 R16.

Winter recommendations: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Michelin X-Ice North. Summer: Toyo Proxes CF2 or Continental ContiPremiumContact 5.

❓ Is it worth buying a Nissan Note with a mileage of more than 200,000 km?

Purchase Note with a mileage of 200,000+ km is justified if:

  • The car was serviced by an official dealer or a trusted service center.
  • The variator passed major renovation (replacement of belt, cones, oil).
  • No trace corrosion on the load-bearing elements of the body.

The average price of such a copy is 300,000–400,000 rubles. Be prepared to invest another 50,000–70,000 rubles. to replace consumables (struts, brake discs, belts).