Nissan Note 2009: a complete guide to characteristics, disadvantages and operating nuances

Nissan Note 2009 (first generation, index E11) is a compact hatchback that has gained popularity due to its practicality, efficiency and low price on the secondary market. This model has become a real find for city dwellers who value maneuverability and functionality in one package. However, like any used car, Note has its own characteristics that you should know about before purchasing.

In 2009 Nissan Note offered with petrol engines 1.4 And 1.6 liter, as well as diesel units in some European countries. The car was equipped with both a manual and automatic transmission, which made it a universal choice for different categories of drivers. But not everything is so smooth: weak points in the suspension, electronics and body problems can turn owning this car into a headache if you do not choose responsibly.

In this article we will look at technical specifications, typical malfunctions, nuances operation and give recommendations on purchase Nissan Note 2009. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions from owners and potential buyers.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Note 2009

Under the hood Nissan Note E11 In 2009, there could be three types of engines, depending on the market:

• 🔹 1.4 HR14DE — 88 hp, gasoline, timing chain drive. The most common option in Russia, known for its reliability with timely maintenance.
• 🔹 1.6 HR16DE — 110 hp, gasoline, timing chain drive. A more dynamic, but also more gluttonous option.
• 🔹 1.5 dCi K9K - 86 or 106 hp, diesel. Rarely found, mainly on the European market. Economical, but sensitive to fuel quality.

Gearboxes were offered in two types: 5-speed manual (the most reliable option) and 4-speed automatic (the weak point of the model, especially during aggressive driving). The drive is exclusively front-wheel drive, which simplifies the design but limits cross-country ability.

Parameter	1.4 HR14DE (manual transmission)	1.6 HR16DE (automatic)	1.5 dCi K9K (manual)
Power, hp	88	110	86/106
Fuel consumption (city), l/100 km	7.5–8.5	9.0–10.5	4.5–5.5
Max. speed, km/h	170	185	175
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	12.0	10.5	11.5
Tank volume, l	46	46	46

An important nuance: the automatic transmission on the Nissan Note 2009 does not like slipping and sudden starts. If used incorrectly, by 150,000 km, jerks and delays may appear when switching.

Weaknesses and typical malfunctions

Despite the simplicity of the design, Nissan Note 2009 has a number of “diseases” that appear with age. Here's what you should pay attention to during your inspection:

• 🚗 Suspension: stabilizer struts and bushings wear out by 80–100 thousand km. Shock absorbers also often leak, especially on cars with over 150 thousand km.
• ⚡ Electrics: problems with the power window control unit (especially the driver's door), headlight bulbs burn out due to poor sealing.
• 🔧 Engine: on motors HR14DE/HR16DE The timing chain may stretch (critical after 200 thousand km). Diesel K9K suffer from problems with the turbine and particulate filter.
• 🛡️ Body: weak anti-corrosion treatment of sills and arches. Rust often appears under door seals and on the trunk lid.

⚠️ Attention: If during inspection you see traces of repairs to the front bumper or radiator grille, there is a high probability that the car has been in an accident. Nissan Note has a weak front part of the body, which wrinkles even with light impacts.

Another common problem is crankshaft oil seal leak. It manifests itself as oil stains under the car and requires urgent repairs, as it can lead to damage to the timing belt (on diesel versions) or chain (on gasoline versions).

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Opinions about Nissan Note 2009 is divided: some praise it for its efficiency and comfort, others criticize it for frequent breakdowns. Let's look at real reviews from owners.

Pros:

• ✅ Spacious salon for a compact hatchback - a high ceiling and a large trunk depth (350 liters, up to 1332 liters with seats folded).
• ✅ Low cost of maintenance — the parts are cheap and common, many jobs can be done independently.
• ✅ Good maneuverability — a small turning radius (5.2 m) and easy control make the car ideal for the city.
• ✅ Reliable gasoline engines (subject to timely replacement of oil and timing chain).

Cons:

• ❌ Poor sound insulation — at speeds above 100 km/h, wind noise and road noise are heard in the cabin.
• ❌ Low quality plastic in the cabin - over time, creaks and cracks appear on the panel.
• ❌ Problems with automatic transmission — after 150 thousand km, an oil change or repair is often required.
• ❌ Body corrosion — if the car has not been treated with anticorrosive, rust will appear within 5–7 years.

Many owners note that Note — This is a car “for every day”, but not for long trips. For example, a user from a forum note-club.ru writes: *"In 3 years and 60 thousand km it has never let me down, but on the highway above 120 km/h it becomes noisy and uncertain"*. Another owner complains about poor stove performance in cold weather - this is a typical problem for cars with over 200 thousand km.

How to choose a Nissan Note 2009 on the secondary market

Upon purchase Nissan Note 2009, pay attention to the following points:

1. Mileage: the best option is up to 150 thousand km. Cars with over 200 thousand km will require investment in suspension and gearbox.
2. Body condition: Inspect the sills, arches and underbody for rust. The places under the seals are especially vulnerable.
3. Engine:
   • Check the oil level and condition (there should be no metal shavings).
   • Listen to the work when it’s cold - knocks or noise from the timing chain indicate an imminent repair.
4. Gearbox:
   • On the automatic transmission, check for smooth shifting and absence of jerking.
   • With a manual transmission, it’s easy to engage gears (especially first and second).

Documents: check how many owners there were and how often maintenance was carried out. Ideal if there is a service history.

Cost Nissan Note 2009 on the secondary market varies from 250,000 to 450,000 rubles, depending on condition and configuration. Cars with automatic transmission are usually 30-50 thousand rubles more expensive, but remember: an automatic transmission will require additional investments in the future.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller claims that the timing chain is “eternal” and has not been changed, this is a reason to be wary. In practice, the chain on motors HR14DE/HR16DE requires replacement every 180–200 thousand km.

Maintenance and repair: what you need to know

Nissan Note 2009 does not require expensive maintenance, but there are nuances that will help you save on repairs:

• 🛢️ Engine oil — change every 10,000 km (or once a year). Suitable for gasoline engines 5W-30 or 5W-40, for diesel - 5W-30 with permission RN0700.
• ⚙️ Timing chain — condition monitoring every 60 thousand km, replacement when stretched (usually after 180–200 thousand km).
• 🔧 Brake system — pads last 30–50 thousand km, discs — 80–100 thousand km. Monitor the brake fluid level.
• ⚡ Battery — the original one lasts 3–4 years. When replacing, take a battery with a capacity of at least 60 Ah.

If you have version with Automatic transmission, be sure to change the oil in the gearbox every 60 thousand km (despite statements about the “maintenance-free” transmission). The original oil is suitable for this Nissan Matic Fluid D or equivalent Mobil ATF 3309.

For self-repair, it is useful to know the codes of frequently breaking parts:

• Front stabilizer link - 54501-4M000 (original), SASIC 20090 (analog).
• Crankshaft oil seal - 11926-4M000.
• Cabin filter - 27277-4M00A (change every 15 thousand km).

How to check the timing chain without disassembling the engine?

With a cold engine, listen to the idle speed. If you hear a metallic clanging or rattling noise, the chain is stretched and needs to be replaced. You can also remove the oil filler cap and look at the tensioner: if it is pulled out all the way, the chain is worn.

Tuning and modernization

Nissan Note 2009 is not the most popular candidate for tuning, but some owners still upgrade their cars. Here are some directions:

• 🎨 External tuning:
  • Installation of body kits (for example, from Nismo or universal whales).
  • Window tinting (allowed standard: 30% light transmission for front windows).
  • Replacing wheels with discs of larger diameter (maximum - R16 without changing clearance).
• 🔧 Technical tuning:
  • Engine chip tuning (for HR16DE you can get +10–15 hp).
  • Installation of a sports exhaust (eg Magnum or Remus).
  • Replacing the suspension with a stiffer one (for example, struts KYB or Bilstein).
• 💺 Interior tuning:
  • Replacing the steering wheel with a sports one (for example, from Nismo or Momo).
  • Installing a multimedia system with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
  • Seat upholstery in leather or Alcantara.

However, it is worth remembering that Note - This is first and foremost a practical city car, and serious tuning can negatively affect reliability. For example, installing a suspension that is too stiff will worsen comfort, and chip tuning without modifying the brake system will make the car less safe.

Alternatives to the Nissan Note 2009 on the secondary market

If Nissan Note does not suit you, consider similar models of the same year:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price, rub.
Toyota Yaris (2009)	Reliability, low fuel consumption	Cramped interior, expensive maintenance	300 000–500 000
Honda Jazz (2009)	Spacious interior, reliable engine	Stiff suspension, poor sound insulation	350 000–550 000
Kia Picanto (2009)	Low price, simple design	Weak engines, poor corrosion resistance	200 000–350 000
Renault Modus (2009)	High interior, large trunk	Unreliable electrics, expensive spare parts	250 000–400 000

Compared to competitors, Nissan Note wins in price and practicality, but loses in reliability (especially compared to Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz). If comfort and space are important to you, pay attention to Renault Modus, but be prepared for higher repair costs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ Which engine is more reliable: 1.4 or 1.6?

Both motors (HR14DE And HR16DE) are built on the same base and are considered reliable if properly maintained. However 1.4 is less gluttonous (consumption in the city ~7.5 l/100 km versus ~9 l for the 1.6) and easier to repair. 1.6 more dynamic, but the timing chain on it wears out a little faster due to the higher load. If efficiency is important to you, take the 1.4. If you need dynamics - 1.6, but be prepared for higher fuel and oil consumption.

❓ Is it possible to drive a Nissan Note 2009 with a mileage of 300 thousand km?

Yes, but with reservations. When regular maintenance (oil change every 10 thousand km, timing chain monitoring, timely replacement of consumables) the engine and gearbox can last 400 thousand km. However, be prepared for the following problems:

• Suspension wear (struts, silent blocks, balls).
• Oil leaks through seals and gaskets.
• Electrical problems (for example, power windows not working).
• Body corrosion (if the car was not treated with anti-corrosion agent).

Before purchasing such a copy necessarily carry out a complete diagnosis.

❓ What kind of oil should I fill in the automatic transmission of Nissan Note 2009?

For automatic transmission Nissan Note 2009 original oil recommended Nissan Matic Fluid D (art. KE908-99932). Suitable analogues:

• Mobil ATF 3309
• Idemitsu ATF Type-J
• Ravenol ATF F-D

Refill volume - 7.2 liters (with complete replacement). You need to change the oil every 60 thousand km, even if the manufacturer claims that the box is “maintenance-free”.

❓ How to deal with rust on doorsteps?

Threshold corrosion is one of the main problems Nissan Note 2009. Solutions:

1. Prevention: treat the thresholds with anticorrosive agent (for example, Dinitrol or Tectyl) and install the plastic covers.
2. Local repair: if the rust is superficial, clean it, treat it with a converter (for example, Tsinkar) and paint.
3. Replacing thresholds: if the corrosion is through, you will have to cut out the rusty areas and weld new ones. The cost of work is from 15,000 rubles per side.

Remember: rust on thresholds is not only an aesthetic problem, but also security threat, as the rigidity of the body suffers.

❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on Nissan Note 2009?

Yes, but taking into account the nuances:

• For HR14DE 4th generation HBO is suitable (for example, Lovato or BRC).
• For HR16DE It is better to choose systems with a lambda probe blende, since the engine is sensitive to a lean mixture.
• For diesel versions (K9K) install HBO not recommended - it is difficult and economically unfeasible.

Average cost of installing gas equipment - 35,000–50,000 rubles. Payback is about 50,000 km (at a gas price of ~25 rubles/l versus gasoline ~50 rubles/l).