Compact van Nissan Note Medalist 2018 - This is one of the most underrated models on the Russian used car market. Despite its modest dimensions, the car offers a surprisingly spacious interior, an economical engine and a reliable platform that has been proven over the years. In 2018, the model received minor updates, but retained all the key advantages: low fuel consumption, maneuverability in the city and practicality for the family.
Why exactly Medalist? This equipment was considered top of the line Nissan Note second generation (E12) and included advanced equipment: climate control, rear view camera, leather steering wheel and improved sound insulation. However, even with such options, the price on the secondary market remains affordable - from 650,000 to 900,000 rubles depending on mileage and condition. In this article, we’ll look at what to look for when purchasing, what “diseases” are typical for the model, and how to operate it with maximum efficiency.
Specifications Nissan Note Medalist 2018
Under the hood Note Medalist 2018 a single engine was installed - 1.2 liter HR12DE with a distributed injection system. This motor develops 79 hp at 6000 rpm and 106 Nm torque. Despite the modest figures, the unit is famous for its reliability and efficiency: combined cycle consumption is only 5.2–5.8 l/100 km.
Gearbox - variator Jatco JF015E, adapted for low-power engines. It provides smooth acceleration, but requires careful handling: overheating and jerking at start are common problems with untimely maintenance. Front-wheel drive suspension, classic design McPherson front and semi-independent beam at the rear. Clearance in 155 mm allows you to feel confident on city roads, but is not designed for serious off-road use.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engine | HR12DE, 1.2 l, 79 hp, gasoline |
| Gearbox | CVT Jatco JF015E |
| Drive | Front |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2–5.8 l/100 km |
| Trunk volume | 320 l (1332 l with seats folded) |
Particular attention should be paid start-stop system, which is included in the package Medalist. It automatically turns off the engine at traffic lights, saving fuel, but can cause discomfort during frequent stops. You can turn it off using a button on the center console.
- 1.2-liter naturally aspirated
- 1.5-liter with turbine
- Hybrid installation
- Electric motor
Pros and cons of the model: honest analysis
Like any car, Nissan Note Medalist 2018 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's start with benefitsthat make it an attractive choice:
- 💰 Low cost of ownership: cheap maintenance, available spare parts and minimal fuel consumption.
- 🚗 Spacious salon Despite the compact external dimensions, you don’t rest your head on the ceiling even with a height of 185+ cm.
- 🔧 Simple design: Most repairs can be done yourself (for example, replacing spark plugs or filters).
- 🎯 Good maneuverability: total turning radius 4.6 m - ideal for parking in tight yards.
Now about shortcomings, which may become critical for some buyers:
- 🐢 Weak dynamics: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 12.5 seconds — overtaking on the highway requires preliminary calculations.
- 🔊 Noisy cabin at speeds above 90 km/h - sound insulation Medalist Better than the basic one, but not perfect.
- 🛠️ CVT sensitivity to overheating: when towing or aggressive driving, you may need to change the oil ahead of schedule.
- 🚙 Soft suspension: The body sways on uneven surfaces, and when fully loaded, the rear wheels can hit the arches.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to drive on the highway frequently, please note that Nissan Note not intended for speeds above 120 km/h. In such modes, the load on the variator increases and fuel consumption increases up to 7.5–8 l/100 km.
Typical problems and “diseases” of Nissan Note Medalist 2018
Despite its reliability, the model has several “childhood diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. Most of them are related to CVT And electronics:
- Variator jerks during acceleration - most often caused by low oil level or belt wear. Solution: complete fluid replacement (original
NS-3) every 60,000 km. - Error P0300 (misfire) - may appear due to low-quality fuel or wear of spark plugs. It is recommended to use candles NGK IFR6T11 and fill gasoline no lower than AI-95.
- Front suspension creaks - usually associated with wear of stabilizer links or bushings. Replacement costs 3,000–5,000 rubles.
- Throttle Position Sensor Failure - leads to floating speed. Diagnosed by the scanner (error code
P0120).
Critical Feature: CVT JF015E does not have its own oil filter. This means that when changing the oil, it is imperative to wash the pan and magnets from metal shavings. Neglecting this procedure leads to accelerated wear of the cones and expensive repairs (from 150,000 rubles).
How to check the variator when purchasing?
1. Start the engine when cold - there should be no extraneous noise (humming, grinding).
2. Move off smoothly: there should be no jerks or delays at start.
3. Carry out a test drive with sharp acceleration: if the speed “hangs” at 3000-4000 rpm without gaining speed, the variator is worn out.
4. Check the color of the oil with a dipstick: if it is dark with metal particles, an urgent replacement is required.
Another common problem is corrosion of sills and arches. In Russian conditions, anti-corrosion treatment from the factory is insufficient, so when inspecting, pay attention to:
- 🔍 Chips on the hood and roof - they rust quickly.
- 🚗 Condition of door seals — if they are cracked, moisture will get into the interior.
- 🛠️ Drainage holes in doors - they must be clean, otherwise water will accumulate inside.
Secondary market prices: what affects the cost?
Cost Nissan Note Medalist 2018 on the secondary market varies depending on mileage, condition and region. On average prices look like this:
| Mileage, km | Condition | Price, rubles |
|---|---|---|
| up to 50,000 | Excellent (one owner, service history) | 850 000 – 950 000 |
| 50 000 – 100 000 | Good (minor scratches, scheduled maintenance) | 700 000 – 800 000 |
| 100 000 – 150 000 | Satisfactory (requires replacement of consumables) | 600 000 – 700 000 |
| over 150,000 | Requires investment (variator, suspension) | 500 000 – 600 000 |
The price is also affected by:
- 📄 Availability of service book — cars with a full maintenance history are more expensive 10–15%.
- 🔧 Replaced consumables: timing belt, variator oil, brake pads.
- 🎨 Body color — the most popular colors are silver and black, less popular are bright shades (yellow, green).
- 📱 Additional equipment: parking sensors, heated seats, multimedia system.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars with less mileage 30,000 km at the age of 5+ years. There is a high risk of the odometer being twisted. Check history viaAutocodeorCarVertical.
When negotiating the price, use arguments: lack of service history (-5–10%), non-original spare parts (-3–7%), traces of an accident (-15–20%).
Comparison with competitors: which is better?
In the compact van class Nissan Note Medalist 2018 there are several direct competitors. Let's see how it looks against their background:
| Model | Benefits | Disadvantages | Price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Ractis (2017–2019) | Reliable 1NR-FE engine, simple design | Smaller trunk (280 l), stiffer suspension | 750 000 – 900 000 |
| Honda Freed (2018) | Spacious interior, flexible seats | Expensive maintenance, poor sound insulation | 800 000 – 1 000 000 |
| Mazda Demio (2017–2019) | Sporty handling, quality materials | Less legroom in the back row | 700 000 – 850 000 |
| Kia Soul (2018) | Stylish design, 7 year warranty | High fuel consumption (7.5 l/100 km) | 850 000 – 1 100 000 |
Nissan Note Medalist outperforms competitors in two key parameters:
- Cost of ownership: cheaper maintenance, lower fuel consumption.
- Practicality: trunk larger than Toyota Ractis, and the interior is more spacious than Mazda Demio.
However, if it is important to you dynamics or premium finish, it's worth taking a closer look at Honda Freed or Kia Soul. For city use and family trips Note Medalist remains one of the best options.
Nissan Note Medalist 2018 is the optimal choice for those who value practicality and efficiency over speed and status.
Operating tips: how to extend the life of a car?
To Nissan Note Medalist 2018 served for a long time and without breakdowns, follow these recommendations:
Changing the engine oil every 10,000 km (semi-synthetic 5W-30) | Checking the oil level in the variator every 30,000 km | Replacing the air and cabin filters every 20,000 km | Diagnostics of the suspension every 40,000 km
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CVT — the most vulnerable point of the model. To avoid costly repairs:
- 🛢️ Use only original oil
Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. - 🚫 Avoid towing trailers or other vehicles.
- 🔄 Do not hold the car on the rise with only the gas pedal - use the handbrake.
- 📉 During long periods of downtime (for example, in a traffic jam), switch to the mode
Nfor cooling the variator.
Engine HR12DE not demanding, but sensitive to fuel quality. Refuel at trusted gas stations (for example, Gazpromneft or Lukoil) and every 30,000 km clean the injectors. To extend the life of spark plugs, you can install iridium (For example, Denso IK16).
During winter:
- ❄️ Before starting the engine in cold weather, turn on 5–10 seconds low beam - this will warm up the battery.
- 🔋 Check the battery voltage: normal - 12.6–12.8 V.
- 🚗 After washing, thoroughly dry the door seals to avoid icing.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
To form an objective opinion about Nissan Note Medalist 2018, we analyzed reviews from owners on the forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and on social networks. Here are the most common opinions:
👨 Andrey, Moscow, mileage 87,000 km:
“I bought it in 2020 with a mileage of 40 thousand. In two years, not a single serious breakdown - only consumables. Consumption in the city is 6.2 l, on the highway 5.1 l. The only negative is the noise at speed, but you get used to it. The variator works like a clock if you change the oil on time.”
👩 Olga, St. Petersburg, mileage 110,000 km:
“The car is ideal for the city: it can be parked anywhere, the trunk can accommodate a baby stroller and shopping. In winter it starts without problems, the stove heats well. But on bumps the suspension rattles - I had to change the stabilizer struts.”
Among the complaints owners most often mention:
- 🔊 Noisiness at high speeds.
- 🛣️ Soft suspension, which “sags” when fully loaded.
- 💺 Uncomfortable chairs for long trips (no good lateral support).
However, 9 out of 10 owners recommend Note Medalist as a reliable and economical car for everyday use.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
❓ How much oil to pour into the engine HR12DE?
Oil volume with filter replacement - 3.2 liters. Recommended viscosity: 5W-30 or 0W-20 (for cold regions).
❓ Is it possible to install HBO on Nissan Note Medalist?
Technically yes, but not recommended due to the risk of overheating of the variator. If you decide, choose 4th generation equipment and configure it on a gas map with a rich mixture.
❓ What resource does the variator have? JF015E?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 60,000 km), the variator runs 200,000–250,000 km. The main thing is to avoid overheating and sudden starts.
❓ Which tires are better to put on Note Medalist?
Recommended size: 185/60 R15. Suitable for winter Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Michelin X-Ice North, for summer - Toyo Proxes CF2.
❓ Where is the body number on Nissan Note?
The number is stamped on a plate under the hood (on the left side of the mudguard) and on a special sticker on the driver's door pillar. Also duplicated in PTS.