First generation Nissan Note (E11): everything you need to know before buying

Nissan Note first generation (index E11) was a real revolution in the compact minivan class when it debuted in 2004. This model combined the practicality of a hatchback, the interior space of a minivan and the efficiency of a subcompact car - a formula that remains relevant today. The car was developed on the platform Nissan B (joint with Renault Modus) and immediately gained popularity in Europe and Japan thanks to its unique design with an asymmetrical rear door.

Today Note E11 is one of the most popular budget cars on the secondary market, but its purchase requires a careful approach. In this article we will look at all technical features, typical problems and weaknesses, nuances of operation and we will give recommendations on selection. We will pay special attention unique system Idling Stop (automatic engine shutdown at idle), which appeared in the restyled version in 2008 and still raises questions among owners.

Technical characteristics and configurations

First generation Nissan Note It was offered with three gasoline engines and one diesel unit. Base motor - 1.4 liter HR14DE (98 hp) - became the most popular due to its reliability and efficiency. More powerful HR16DE (110 hp) was installed in top versions, and diesel K9K (1.5 dCi, 86 or 106 hp) was relevant for the European market. All engines were combined with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The configurations varied from Spartan Visia to luxury Acenta, where climate control, cruise control, leather steering wheel and system were available Nissan Connect (in restyled versions). Separately, it is worth noting the option panoramic sunroof, which visually increased the space in the cabin, but over time became a source of leaks.

• 🔧 Engines: 1.4 HR14DE (98 hp), 1.6 HR16DE (110 hp), 1.5 dCi K9K (86/106 hp)
• ⚙️ Boxes: 5MT, 4AT (Jatco RE4F03B)
• 📏 Dimensions: 3795×1690×1550 mm, wheelbase 2450 mm
• 💺 Trunk volume: 250–1332 l (with seats folded)

Modification	Engine	Power	Consumption (city)	0–100 km/h
1.4 MT	HR14DE	98 hp	7.2 l/100 km	12.5 s
1.6 AT	HR16DE	110 hp	8.9 l/100 km	11.8 s
1.5 dCi	K9K	106 hp	5.1 l/100 km	11.2 s

⚠️ Attention: Automatic transmission RE4F03B sensitive to overheating and requires oil changes every 60,000 km. If you ignore the regulations, the risk of torque converter failure increases 3 times.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan Note E11 has several “diseases” that every potential buyer should know about. The main one is body corrosion, especially in the areas of the rear arches, sills and rear door attachment points. The problem is aggravated by poorly designed gutters, which become clogged with leaves and dirt, causing rust from the inside.

The second common problem is electrician. Most often they suffer:

• 🔌 Window lifter control unit (all glasses stop working at the same time)
• 💡 Dashboard lights (burn out due to power surges)
• 📻 Audio system (display fails or stops reading CDs)

For diesel versions (K9K) the weak point is turbine (lifetime ~150,000 km) and fuel system (injectors and injection pump). Gasoline engines HR14/16DE more durable, but require regular checking of the timing chain (lifespan ~200,000 km) and oil changes every 10,000 km.

Features of operation and maintenance

Service Nissan Note The first generation does not require large expenditures, but there are several nuances that will help extend the life of the car. For example, changing the oil in the variator (if installed) should be carried out every 60,000 km, and not 100,000 km, as recommended by the manufacturer. This is due to the design features of the belt and cones, which wear out faster under high loads.

For gasoline engines, it is critical to use oil with a viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 (according to classification API SL/SM). Diesel versions are more demanding - they require oil 5W-30 with permission Renault RN0700/0710. Diesel owners should also pay attention to diesel particulate filter (DPF), which requires periodic cleaning (every 100–150 thousand km).

Check the condition of the rear arches for corrosion|

Test drive from a cold start (listen to the engine for extraneous noise)|

Check the operation of all power windows and electronics|

Check for oil leaks from the valve cover (common HR16DE problem)|

Assess the condition of the suspension (knocks in the struts or silent blocks) -->

⚠️ Attention: System Idling Stop (automatic engine shutdown) in restyled versions often fails due to a discharged battery. If the car stalls when stopping, first check the battery voltage - it should be at least 12.6 V.

Restyling 2008: what has changed?

In 2008 Nissan Note went through a major update, which affected both the appearance and the technical part. Main changes:

• 🚗 Design: a new grille, bumpers, LED taillights and a modified instrument panel.
• 🔋 System Idling Stop: appeared in versions with a manual transmission, but was often turned off by owners due to inconvenience.
• 📱 Multimedia: optional system Nissan Connect with navigation and Bluetooth.
• 🔧 Suspension: Shock absorbers and springs have been redesigned to improve handling.

From the technical side, the most significant was the emergence 6-speed manual transmission (instead of 5-speed) paired with engine HR16DE. This improved dynamics and reduced fuel consumption on the highway. However, automatic transmissions remained unchanged, which became the reason for criticism - the 4-band “automatic” was already obsolete by 2008.

More information about the Idling Stop system

The system automatically turns off the engine when stopping (for example, at a traffic light) and starts it when you press the clutch pedal. In theory, this should save fuel, but in practice many owners complain about:

- Increased wear of the starter (lifetime is reduced by 30–40%).

- Unstable operation at low temperatures (the engine may not start the first time).

- Battery drains during frequent short trips.

You can disable the system using a button on the panel, but this requires reprogramming the control unit (costs ~5,000 rubles).

Tuning and modifications

Nissan Note E11 is not a popular base for serious tuning, but there are several areas for modernization:

1. External tuning: installation of body kits from Nismo (official Nissan tuning studio), tinting the rear lights, replacing hubcaps or wheels with R16/R17.
2. Suspension: replacing springs and shock absorbers with sports ones (for example, Koni or Bilstein) to improve handling. It is popular to reduce the ground clearance by 30–40 mm.
3. Engine: chip tuning for gasoline engines (up to 10–15 hp increase), installation of a 4-2-1 spider or direct-flow exhaust.
4. Salon: replacing seats with sports ones (for example, from Recaro), installation of a steering wheel with a flat bottom, LED lighting.

The simplest and most effective upgrade is to replace the standard wheels with wheels of larger diameter (maximum R17 without changing the suspension). This improves appearance and handling, but can negatively affect the life of the wheel bearings. Installation is also popular xenon headlights (for versions without standard xenon), but this requires adjustment of the ignition unit and adjustment of the light beam.

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Before installing xenon, check for automatic headlight leveling - without it, blinding oncoming drivers is inevitable, and this can lead to a fine.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In the compact minivan class Nissan Note E11 there were several direct competitors. Let's look at their key differences:

Model	Benefits	Disadvantages	Price (secondary market)
Toyota Yaris Verso	Reliability, simple design	Cramped interior, weak engines	450–700 thousand rubles.
Honda Jazz	Spacious interior, economical	Expensive maintenance, poor sound insulation	500–800 thousand rubles.
Renault Modus	Cheap parts, good suspension	Unreliable electrical system, corrosion	300–550 thousand rubles.
Opel Meriva A	Spacious interior, flexible layout	Expensive repairs, weak engines	350–600 thousand rubles.

Nissan Note compares favorably with competitors asymmetrical rear door, which makes it easier to load large items, and more reliable gasoline engines. However, in terms of noise insulation and comfort it is inferior Honda Jazz, and in terms of electrical reliability - Toyota Yaris Verso.

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If you need the most reliable option, choose Note with engine HR14DE and a manual transmission. Diesel versions and automatics require more careful maintenance and break down more often.

Secondary market prices and selection tips

Cost Nissan Note E11 on the secondary market depends on the year of manufacture, mileage and condition. Average prices in Russia in 2026:

• 💰 2004–2006: 250–400 thousand rubles. (often with mileage over 200,000 km and corrosion)
• 💰 2007–2009: 400–600 thousand rubles. (restyled versions in better condition)
• 💰 2010–2012: 550–800 thousand rubles. (minimum mileage, often with service history)

When choosing, pay attention to the following points:

1. Check body condition on a lift - rust in arches and sills can cause insurance denial.
2. Make sure timing chain changed (every 150–200 thousand km). On motors HR16DE its break leads to the meeting of the valves with the pistons.
3. Listen gearbox for humming or jerking - this may indicate wear of the bearings or clutches.
4. Check your work air conditioner — in older cars, the compressor often needs to be refilled or replaced.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller claims that the car is “not damaged”, but refuses to provide a report from traffic police or Autocode, this is a reason to be wary. Nissan Note often gets into accidents due to its small dimensions, and hidden damage to the body is a common problem.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note E11

Is it possible to disable the Idling Stop system?

Yes, this can be done in two ways:

1. Temporary shutdown using a button on the panel (valid until the next engine start).
2. Permanent shutdown by flashing the control unit (requires contacting specialists).

The cost of reflashing is about 5,000 rubles. Disabling the system does not affect engine life, but may slightly increase fuel consumption in the urban cycle.

What is the service life of the HR14DE engine?

Subject to the maintenance regulations (oil change every 10,000 km, timing chains - every 150-200 thousand km), the engine HR14DE passes easily 300–400 thousand km without major repairs. Main conditions for durability:

• Using quality oil (eg Mobil 1 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Special Tec AA).
• Timely replacement of air and fuel filters.
• Avoiding overheating (especially in traffic jams).

Weak points of the engine: oil leakage from under the valve cover and wear of the phase regulators after 200 thousand km.

Which gearbox is more reliable: manual or automatic?

Definitely manual transmission. 5-speed (alter 6-speed) manual transmission in Note E11 practically “indestructible” when used correctly. Clutch life is 150-200 thousand km, oil seals - 200+ thousand km.

4-speed automatic Jatco RE4F03B less reliable:

• Average resource - 180–250 thousand km.
• Sensitive to oil quality (change every 60,000 km!).
• Typical problems: friction wear, oil seal leaks, valve body malfunctions.

If you choose an automatic, be sure to check the service history and do a test drive with “kicks” when switching.

Is it worth buying the 1.5 dCi diesel version?

Diesel Nissan Note Suitable only if you drive a lot (from 20,000 km per year) and mainly on the highway. Pros:

• ✅ Fuel consumption - 4.5–5.5 l/100 km.
• ✅ Good traction at low speeds.

Cons:

• ❌ Expensive repairs of the turbine (~80,000 rub.) and fuel equipment.
• ❌ Problems with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) during urban use.
• ❌ Sensitivity to fuel quality (only proven gas stations!).

For the city, it is better to choose the gasoline version - it is cheaper to maintain and less problematic.

How to deal with corrosion on Note E11?

Corrosion is the main problem Nissan Note first generation. Effective measures:

1. Annual anticorrosive treatment thresholds, arches and rear door attachment points (cost ~10,000 rubles).
2. Regular gutter cleaning (under the hood and in the trunk) from leaves and dirt.
3. Installation mud flaps on the wheel arches (protect from sandblasting).
4. Check door seals - Over time, they become tanned and allow moisture to pass through.

If rust has already appeared, you will need welding and painting. The average cost of repairing one arch is 15–25 thousand rubles.