Compact hatchback Nissan Note has long become one of the most popular city cars in Russia and the CIS countries. Its low price, efficiency and practicality attract both young drivers and families with children. But how justified is the choice of this model? In this article we have collected real owner reviews, analyzed technical features and highlighted the key pros and cons Nissan Note different generations - from the first (E11, 2004–2012) to the third (E13, from 2020).

We will not praise or scold the car unreasonably: here only facts from operating experience, confirmed by reviews from forums, video reviews and technical documentation. You will find out what problems most often arise in Note, what to look for when buying a used copy, and is it worth overpaying for a new version with a CVT Xtronic. And at the end of the article there are answers to the most frequently asked questions in FAQ format.

1. Specifications Nissan Note: what's under the hood?

All generations Nissan Note were equipped with gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 liters. The most common options on the secondary market:

  • 🔹 1.4 l (K4M) — 88–98 hp, timing chain drive, service life of 300+ thousand km with proper maintenance.
  • 🔹 1.6 l (HR16DE) — 110–117 hp, timing belt drive (replacement every 120 thousand km), more dynamic, but more voracious.
  • 🔹 1.2 l (HR12DE) — 98 hp, turbocharged version for the European market (rare in Russia).

Transmissions: manual (5–6 steps), classic 4-speed automatic (DP0/DP2) and variator Xtronic (on models from 2012). The latter often becomes the subject of controversy - more about this in the section about transmission reliability.

Suspension Note simple and repairable: front - MacPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam. The ground clearance of 155–160 mm allows you to feel confident on city roads, but the car is not intended for off-road use. The brakes are disc at the front and drum at the rear (on base versions), which is typical for the budget segment.

📊 What engine does your Nissan Note have?
  • 1.4 l (K4M)
  • 1.6 l (HR16DE)
  • 1.2 l (HR12DE)
  • Other/don't know

2. Pros Nissan Note: why is he chosen?

Nissan Note It’s not for nothing that it is in demand - it has objective advantages, which are confirmed by reviews from the owners:

  • 💰 Low cost of ownership. Fuel consumption in the city is 6.5–8.5 l/100 km (depending on the engine and driving style). Insurance and taxes are also not affordable.
  • 🅿️ Compact and maneuverable. The length of 4.1–4.3 m allows parking in tight yards, and the turning radius is only 5.2 m.
  • 🛠️ Easy to repair. The parts are cheap and common, many jobs (changing oil, filters, brake pads) can be done independently.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Practical interior. Despite its modest dimensions, the rear row can accommodate three passengers, and the trunk is 350–400 liters (up to 1,300 liters with the seats folded down).
  • 🔧 Reliable suspension. The service life of shock absorbers and silent blocks is 80–100 thousand km, stabilizer struts last 50–60 thousand km.

Separately worth noting variator Xtronic on models from 2012. With proper operation (regular oil changes every 60 thousand km), it lasts longer than a classic automatic. Owners praise it for its smooth ride and efficiency, but there are also nuances - more on them in the next section.

Another plus - good sound insulation for a budget car. At 100 km/h the cabin is quieter than many competitors (e.g. Hyundai Solaris or Kia Rio). Users also note comfortable seats with good lateral support and clear ergonomics of the instrument panel.

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Nissan Note is one of the leaders in terms of price/quality ratio in the small hatchback segment, especially in the secondary market.

3. Cons Nissan Note: What are the owners complaining about?

Despite the advantages, Nissan Note there are also weaknesses. Here are the most common complaints from reviews:

  • ⚠️ Weak corrosion resistance. Thresholds, arches and the bottom begin to rust after 5–7 years of operation if not treated with anticorrosive.
  • 🔋 Electrical problems. Sensors (oxygen, crankshaft position) often fail, fuses blow, and the radio tape recorder malfunctions.
  • 🛢️ Oil burner on HR16DE engines. After 150–200 thousand km, the engine begins to “eat” oil (up to 1 liter per 1000 km); piston repair is required.
  • 🔄 Poor ergonomics of the gearshift lever. In manual gears it is difficult to engage, especially first and reverse.
  • 🌡️ Weak interior heating. The stove does not heat well, especially at idle, and the air conditioner loses refrigerant every 2-3 years.

There are especially many complaints variator Xtronic. If the oil is not changed in a timely manner (or a low-quality fluid is used), it begins to “kick”, twitch during acceleration and make strange sounds. CVT repair costs 80–150 thousand rubles, so many owners prefer mechanics.

⚠️ Attention! If you buy Nissan Note with a CVT, be sure to check the service history. Oil in Xtronic should be changed every 60 thousand km, and not “for the entire service life”, as they say in the service book!

Another common problem is seal leaks. After 100 thousand km, the crankshaft, camshaft and drive oil seals often begin to “sweat”. This is not critical, but requires attention, since oil stains under the car can mask more serious problems.

Problem Frequency of occurrence Repair cost (₽)
Corrosion of thresholds/arches High (after 5–7 years) 15 000–40 000
Changing the oil in the variator Every 60 thousand km 8 000–12 000
Piston repair (oil burner) After 180–200 thousand km 50 000–100 000
Replacing oil seals After 100 thousand km 5 000–15 000
Reflashing the ECU (electronics glitches) Rarely 3 000–10 000

4. Nissan Note vs competitors: comparison with similar models

In the small hatchback segment, Nissan Note there are at least 5 direct competitors: Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Solaris, Kia Rio, Volkswagen Polo And Renault Sandero. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

  • 💵 Price. Note cheaper Yaris And Polo, but more expensive Solaris/Rio on the secondary side. New models (E13) start from 1.2 million rubles.
  • 🛠️ Reliability. According to statistics, Toyota Yaris And Volkswagen Polo They break down less often, but their repair is more expensive. Note takes the middle position.
  • 🚗 Comfort. U Note better sound insulation than Solaris, but worse than Polo. The suspension is softer than Rio.
  • 🔧 Service. Details for Nissan cheaper than for Volkswagen, but more expensive than for Renault.
  • 🔄 CVT vs automatic. Xtronic more reliable than automatic transmission Hyundai/Kia, but loses to the robot Toyota.

If you need most reliable option - take it Toyota Yaris. If important cost of ownership — Hyundai Solaris or Kia Rio. And if you are looking balance of comfort, practicality and cost, then Nissan Note - an excellent choice.

According to reviews, the owners Note often transfer to it from Renault Sandero or Lada Granta, noting higher build quality and better handling. But those who traveled before Volkswagen Polo, sometimes they complain about a less clear suspension and cheap plastic in the cabin.

Which alternative should you choose if you don’t like the Nissan Note?

If it doesn't suit you Nissan Note, consider:

- Toyota Yaris (more reliable, but more expensive to repair)

- Mazda 2 (better handling, but smaller trunk)

- Skoda Fabia (more spacious, but higher price)

- Lada Vesta (cheaper, but worse sound insulation)

5. Which one Nissan Note choose: new or used generation?

On the secondary market Nissan Note presented in three generations:

  1. E11 (2004–2012) - the most budget-friendly, but with outdated filling. Engines HR16DE And K4M reliable, but corrosion and electronics fail.
  2. E12 (2012–2020) - the best option in terms of price/quality ratio. A variator appeared Xtronic, sound insulation has improved.
  3. E13 (from 2020) — modern design, new options (360° camera, adaptive cruise), but the price is steep.

If your budget is limited, take it E12 2015–2018 with mechanics or CVT (subject to confirmed service). Avoid cars older than 2010 - they have poor anti-corrosion treatment and outdated electronics.

When buying used Note be sure to check:

Condition of sills and arches for rust

History of oil change in the variator (if any)

Operation of the stove and air conditioner

Condition of the seals (are there any oil leaks)

Electronics (all sensors, airbags)

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New models (E13) cost from 1.2 million rubles, but their purchase is justified only if you need modern security systems (ProPilot, Blind Spot Warning) and warranty. In other cases, it is better to save money and take a supported one Note E12.

⚠️ Attention! There are many on the market Nissan Note with “twisted” mileage. Check history via Autocode or CarVertical — these cars were often used in taxis or car sharing.

6. Owner reviews: real operating experience

We analyzed more than 200 reviews from forums (Drive2, Drom.ru, Nissan-Club.ru) and highlighted the most common opinions:

Positive:

  • 👍 “For 5 years and 120 thousand km - only maintenance and replacement of brake pads. The car is like a tank!” (Note E12, 1.6 manual transmission).
  • 👍 “The variator has been running for 180 thousand km, I change the oil every 50 thousand km. No problem." (Note E13, 1.6 CVT).
  • 👍 “The trunk fits a baby stroller + bags from the store. Ideal for the city.” (Note E11, 1.4 automatic transmission).

Negative:

  • 👎 “After winter, rust appeared on the thresholds. Anticorrosive didn’t help.” (Note E11, 2008).
  • 👎 “On the highway at a speed of 120+ km/h, the car is blown away by gusts of wind.” (Note E12, 1.6 manual transmission).
  • 👎 “The electronics are buggy: either an oxygen sensor or an ABS error.” (Note E13, 2021).

Fun fact: the owners Note those with a CVT are more likely to praise the car than those who drive a manual. Apparently, the smoothness and efficiency outweigh the fears of repairs Xtronic.

On YouTube you can find many reviews with mileage of 200+ thousand km. For example, channel AutoBlogger tested Note E12 with a mileage of 250 thousand km - the car drove without serious breakdowns, but required investment in suspension and electronics.

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Before buying, watch the video with long test drives Nissan Note on YouTube. Pay attention to the noise in the cabin, the operation of the variator and the behavior of the car on rough roads.

7. Maintenance and tuning: how to extend life Nissan Note?

To Nissan Note served for a long time, follow these recommendations:

  • 🔧 Engine oil: change every 7–10 thousand km (even if the service book says 15 thousand). For HR16DE fits 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP or Liqui Moly Special Tec).
  • 🛢️ Oil in the variator: original only NS-2 or NS-3 (for models after 2017). Replacement every 60 thousand km!
  • 🔥 Spark plugs: original NGK IFR6T11 or Denso IK20. Change every 30 thousand km.
  • 🔋 Battery: full-time service lasts 3–4 years. It is better to take with a capacity of 60–65 Ah (for example, Bosch S4 or Varta Blue Dynamic).

If you want to improve your car, consider:

  • 🎵 Noise insulation: additional treatment of doors and arches will reduce noise by 20–30%.
  • 🔦 Light: replacing standard lamps with LED (Osram Night Breaker or Philips X-tremeVision).
  • 🛡️ Protection: installation of mudguards and anti-gravel film on the hood.

Engine tuning (chip tuning) on Note impractical - the increase in power is minimal, and the life of the motor is reduced. It's better to invest in suspension (racks Kayaba, supports Sasic) or brakes (pads Ferodo, disks Brembo).

Many owners install Android Auto through the radio Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB or JVC KW-M75BT. This adds navigation, music via Spotify and hands-free calls.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Note

❓ How long does a variator really last? Xtronic on Nissan Note?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 60 thousand km, original fluid NS-2/NS-3) the variator runs 200–250 thousand km. If you save on oil or drive aggressively, the service life is reduced to 100–150 thousand km. Main enemies Xtronic: towing, slipping and overheating.

❓ What is the fuel consumption Nissan Note 1.6 in the city?

Average consumption according to reviews:

- Mechanical: 7.5–8.5 l/100 km.

- CVT: 8.0–9.0 l/100 km.

- Automatic (4AT): 9.5–10.5 l/100 km.

In winter, consumption increases by 1–1.5 liters due to warming up and the heater being turned on.

❓ Is it possible to put gas on Nissan Note?

Technically possible, but not recommended:

- Engine HR16DE not adapted for HBO, oil burn is possible.

- CVT Xtronic does not tolerate working on gas - there is a risk of overheating.

- The warranty is canceled (applicable for new cars).

If you really need it, choose 4th generation HBO with liquid phase injection and set yourself up for frequent oil changes (every 5 thousand km).

❓ Which tires are better to put on Nissan Note?

Optimal sizes:

- 185/65 R15 (standard for most versions).

- 195/55 R16 (for improved handling).

Recommended models:

- Summer: Michelin Energy Saver, Continental EcoContact 6.

- Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Bridgestone Blizzak WS90.

Pressure: 2.2 bar front, 2.0 bar rear.

❓ Is it worth buying Nissan Note with mileage of 150+ thousand km?

Depends on condition:

- If this mechanics with a confirmed service history - yes, the car will still serve.

- If variator - only if you have receipts for an oil change.

- If automatic (4AT) - risky, since repairing the box costs 100+ thousand rubles.

Be sure to check:

- Compression in the cylinders (should be 12–13 bar).

- Condition of the suspension (silent blocks, balls).

- Electronics (are there any errors in ABS, ESP).

The price of such a copy should not exceed 400–500 thousand rubles.