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

Nissan Note E11 is a compact hatchback that became a real hit on the European market in the mid-2000s. Having debuted in 2004, the model quickly gained popularity thanks to its unusual design, spacious interior and economical engines. The first generation was produced until 2013 (in Japan - until 2016 under the name Nissan Note E12 after restyling), having undergone two updates - in 2008 and 2010.

The car was positioned as an alternative Toyota Yaris And Honda Jazz, offering the higher interior and practicality of a minivan in a hatchback body style. Feature Note E11 became a system Flexible Seating System with movable rear seats, allowing you to transform the luggage compartment to suit different needs. Today, this model remains in demand in the secondary market due to its reliability, low price and ease of maintenance.

Technical characteristics and configurations

First generation Nissan Note It was offered with three petrol and one diesel engines. The basic one was atmospheric 1.4-liter HR14DE engine (88 hp), which combined simplicity and efficiency. More powerful option - 1.6 HR16DE (110 hp) - came in top trim levels. A diesel was offered for the European market 1.5 dCi (68 or 86 hp), known for its high-torque performance and low fuel consumption.

Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The latter was often criticized for its “dumbness” and high consumption, but for urban use it remained a convenient solution. Front suspension - MacPherson, at the rear there was a semi-independent beam, which provided a soft ride, but not the best handling at high speeds.

Characteristics	1.4 HR14DE	1.6 HR16DE	1.5 dCi (86 hp)
Volume, l	1.4	1.6	1.5
Power, hp	88	110	86
Consumption (city), l/100 km	7.2	8.1	4.8
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	12.9	10.9	12.5
Gearbox	Manual/automatic transmission	Manual/automatic transmission	Manual transmission

Options varied from basic Visia to luxury Acenta. The top offered climate control, leather steering wheel, heated seats and Nissan Connect with navigation. After restyling in 2010, LED tail lights and updated front optics appeared.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Nissan Note E11 has several “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. The most common complaints from owners relate to the electronics, suspension and transmission.

• 🔋 Electrical: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box (leads to “glitches” of the dashboard), failure of the throttle position sensor (TPS).
• 🛠️ Suspension: rapid wear of stabilizer struts and bushings (especially on cars with mileage >150 thousand km), shock absorber leaks.
• 🔄 Automatic: jerks when switching to cold, wear of solenoids (typical for automatic Jatco after 200 thousand km).
• 💨 Engine: on HR16DE increased oil consumption is possible (problem with oil scraper rings), on diesel engines - valve clogging EGR.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Note with mileage, be sure to check the condition timing chains on gasoline engines - its resource is ~150–180 thousand km. On diesels 1.5 dCi Pay attention to the turbine: its repair will cost 30–50 thousand rubles.

A unique feature of the Note E11 is the weak rear tailgate hinges. With frequent use, they become loose and the door begins to “sag.” Replacing hinges costs 5–8 thousand rubles per pair, but requires adjustment.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

On forums and in reviews Nissan Note The first generation is often praised for its spacious interior, efficiency and unpretentiousness. Owners note that even after 200 thousand km, the car does not require serious investments if you take care of consumables. However, there is also criticism - mainly in terms of noise and dynamics.

• ✅ Pros:
  • 🚗 High ceiling and space for passengers (despite the compact dimensions).
  • 💰 Low cost of ownership: cheap spare parts, simple design.
  • 🔧 Easy access to the main components (for example, replacing spark plugs takes 20 minutes).
  • 🛣️ Good cross-country ability for the city thanks to a short wheelbase and high ground clearance (155 mm).
• ❌ Cons:
  • 🔊 High noise level in the cabin at speeds >90 km/h.
  • 🐢 Sluggish dynamics with automatic transmission (especially on the 1.4-liter engine).
  • 🎨 Poor quality plastics in the interior (creaks, scuffs after 5-7 years of use).
  • 💡 Weak standard lighting (many owners install LED lamps).

On Drive2 And Avto.ru the average rating of the model is 4.2 out of 5. Reliability is most often praised HR14DE and the practicality of the interior, but they criticize it for its noise and “soft” suspension, which sways on uneven surfaces.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In the compact hatchback class, Nissan Note E11 there were several direct competitors. Let's see how it looks against their background:

Parameter	Nissan Note E11	Toyota Yaris (XP10)	Honda Jazz (GD)	Renault Modus
Trunk volume, l	240–1332	272–747	300–1183	250–1061
Minimum price on the secondary market, thousand rubles.	250–350	300–450	350–500	180–280
Fuel consumption (1.4 manual transmission), l/100 km	6.5–7.2	6.0–6.8	6.2–7.0	6.8–7.5
Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Nissan Note wins against Renault Modus in terms of reliability and space, but loses Honda Jazz in handling and build quality. Toyota Yaris more economical, but its interior is less transformable. If you need a budget and practical car - Note great choice. If the priority is dynamics and prestige, it is better to take a closer look at Jazz or Yaris.

Secondary market prices and selection tips

Cost Nissan Note E11 on the secondary market depends on the year of manufacture, mileage and condition. In 2026 prices range from 200 to 500 thousand rubles:

• 💰 200–300 thousand rubles: copies 2005–2008 with a mileage of 150–250 thousand km, often with automatic transmission and without service history.
• 💰 300–400 thousand rubles: cars 2009–2011 with a mileage of up to 150 thousand km, with manual transmission and partial service.
• 💰 400–500 thousand rubles: restyled versions (2010–2013) with mileage up to 100 thousand km, in good condition.

When inspecting, pay attention to:

The best options are cars with HR14DE and mechanics, released after 2008 (they have modified suspension and electronics). Diesel versions 1.5 dCi It is worth taking only with a full service history - repairing the turbine or fuel equipment will be expensive.

⚠️ Attention: There are many on the market Note with “twisted” mileage. Check the condition of the steering wheel, pedals and seats - they must correspond to the declared mileage. Also ask for receipts for oil changes: if they are not there, there is a high risk that the engine was operated on a starvation ration.

Tuning and modernization

Nissan Note E11 Not the most popular car for tuning, but owners often modify it to improve appearance and comfort. Here are some directions:

• 🎨 Appearance: installation of body kits from Nismo (replicas), headlight tinting, LED optics. Popular radiator grilles in the style GT-R.
• 🔊 Audio system: replacing the standard radio with a 2DIN one Android Auto, installing a subwoofer in the spare tire niche.
• 🛠️ Suspension: replacing springs with stiffer ones (for example, from H&R), installing front strut struts for better handling.
• ⚡ Engine: chip tuning for HR16DE (adds ~10–15 hp), installing a 4-2-1 “spider” on a 1.4-liter engine.

The most common modification is replacing standard wheels with discs R16 with low profile tires. This improves appearance, but may have a negative impact on comfort. Also, many owners install xenon or LED into the headlights, but this requires adjustment so as not to blind oncoming drivers.

How to make Note E11 sportier?

Suitable for visual tuning:

- Bumper and spoiler from Nissan Note Nismo (original or replica).

- Arch extensions (+20 mm).

- Black headlight covers ("Stealth" style).

To improve dynamics:

- Installation of a zero resistance filter (for example, K&N).

- Replacing the exhaust system with a silent one from 4-2-1.

- ECU firmware (for HR16DE you can get +12 hp).

Important: any changes to the exhaust system require adjustments to the fuel maps!

Operation and Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Service Nissan Note E11 does not require large expenses, but there are several nuances:

• 🛢️ Engine oil: change every 10 thousand km (suitable for gasoline engines 5W-30 or 5W-40 according to standard API SL/SM).
• ⚙️ Transmission: in manual transmissions, the oil is changed every 90 thousand km, in automatic transmissions - every 60 thousand km (use only Nissan Matic Fluid D).
• 🔥 Spark plugs: original NGK IFR6A11 They last ~30 thousand km, but it is better to use iridium ones (lifetime up to 100 thousand km).
• 🔋 Battery: The standard one lasts 3–4 years, the recommended capacity is 60–65 Ah.

in winter Note behaves predictably, but on ice it is better to use winter tires with studs. Due to the high body and short wheelbase, the car is prone to skidding when cornering, so it is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Which engine is the most reliable in the Nissan Note E11?

The undisputed leader in reliability - 1.4 HR14DE. This motor is known for its service life (300–400 thousand km with proper maintenance) and simplicity of design. Diesel 1.5 dCi more economical, but requires more careful attention to the fuel system and turbine. 1.6 HR16DE more powerful, but can “eat” oil after 150 thousand km.

How much does it cost to repair an automatic transmission on a Note E11?

The cost depends on the problem:

• Oil change with filter - 5-8 thousand rubles.
• Repair of solenoids - 15–25 thousand rubles.
• Major repairs (replacement of clutches, valve body) - 50–80 thousand rubles.
• Replacing a contract box - 80-120 thousand rubles.

Advice: if the automatic transmission starts to “kick”, first try changing the oil - this can solve the problem at an early stage.

Is it possible to install gas on Nissan Note E11?

Yes, but with reservations:

• On HR14DE And HR16DE install 4th generation HBO (for example, Lovato or BRC).
• Installation cost is 35–50 thousand rubles.
• Gas consumption - ~9–11 l/100 km (versus 7–8 l of gasoline).
• Important: LPG is not installed on diesel versions - it is technically difficult and economically infeasible.

Cons: loss of space in the trunk (the cylinder takes up ~50 liters of volume) and the risk of a “dry” start in winter.

What is the most common corrosion on Note E11?

Main problem areas:

• Thresholds (especially at the rear, where dirt accumulates).
• Wheel arches (initial stage - bubbles under the paint).
• Underbody under rear seats (check drainage holes).
• Trunk lid (corrosion along the edge of the seal).

Tip: treat problem areas Movilem or Dinitrol every 2 years, even if there is no rust yet.

What is the service life of the timing chain on gasoline engines?

Official resource of the chain at HR14DE And HR16DE — 150–180 thousand km, but in practice it can stretch out after 120 thousand km with aggressive driving. Signs of wear:

• Knock on cold start.
• Unstable idle speed.
• Error P0016 (camshaft desynchronization).

The cost of replacing a chain with tensioners is 20–30 thousand rubles. Important: change the guides and tensioner together with the chain!