Nissan Note 2nd generation (E12): everything you need to know before buying

Nissan Note second generation (index E12) is a compact hatchback that has gained popularity due to its practicality, efficiency and low price on the secondary market. Produced with 2012 to 2020, this car has become the choice of many city drivers, families and novice car enthusiasts. But is it as perfect as it seems at first glance?

In this article we will look at Nissan Note E12 from all sides: from technical characteristics to typical “illnesses”, from comparison with competitors to operating tips. You will learn which engines are more reliable, which gearboxes require attention, and what to look for when buying a used one. And also - how to save on maintenance and avoid expensive repairs.

Specifications Nissan Note 2nd generation (E12)

Second generation Note it was offered with three gasoline engines and one diesel unit (for the European market). In Russia, only petrol versions were officially sold. Let's look at them in more detail:

• 🔧 1.2 HR12DE (79 hp) — basic naturally aspirated engine with timing chain drive. Easy to maintain, but rather weak for dynamic driving.
• ⚡ 1.2 HR12DDR (98 hp) — a turbocharged version of the same engine. More powerful, but demanding on the quality of oil and gasoline.
• 🛢️ 1.5 HR15DE (110 hp) - the most popular option in Russia. Reliable, but prone to oil burning after 100 thousand km.

Gearboxes presented 5-speed manual, 4-automatic (outdated but simple) and CVT Xtronic (variator, which raises the most questions). Suspension - classic for the class: front MacPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam. Clearance in 155 mm allows you not to be afraid of city potholes, but the car was not intended for off-road use.

Parameter	1.2 (79 hp)	1.2T (98 hp)	1.5 (110 hp)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s	13.5	11.3	10.9
Max. speed, km/h	165	180	183
Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km	5.2	5.5	6.1
Recommended oil	5W-30	5W-40 (semi-synthetic)	5W-30 (synthetic)

Feature Note E12 - system Start/Stop (optional), which automatically turns off the engine at traffic lights. In theory, this saves fuel, but in practice, owners often turn it off due to irritation from constant vibrations during startup.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Even such a simple car has “childhood diseases”. The main thing is to know about them in advance to avoid unexpected expenses.

⚠️ Attention: CVT CVT Xtronic on Note E12 requires oil changes every 60,000 km, not 90,000 km, as stated by the dealer. Skipping this interval leads to overheating and expensive repairs.

• 🔥 Maslozhor on 1.5 HR15DE — after 100–150 thousand km, the engine begins to “eat” oil (up to 1 liter per 1000 km). The reason is wear of the oil scraper rings. It can be solved by decoking or capitalization.
• 🔊 Knock in the front suspension - most often the stabilizer links or strut supports are to blame. Replacement costs 5–10 thousand rubles. per set.
• ⚡ Electrical problems — oxidation of contacts in the fuse box (especially for cars 2012–2014). It manifests itself as dashboard glitches or sensor failure.
• 🛑 Brake discs and pads - wear out quickly (already by 30–40 thousand km). The reason is the light weight of the car and the aggressive driving style of many owners.

Another common problem is drive oil seal leak (especially on cars with mileage over 120,000 km). If you don't notice it in time, oil from the box will get onto the clutch, and you'll have to change the entire set. Repair cost - from 15,000 rub..

How to check a variator before buying?

1. Listen to the idle: there should be no hum or grinding noise.

2. Carry out a test drive: there should be no jerks during acceleration.

3. Check the service history: the CVT oil should be changed every 60 thousand km.

4. Pay attention to the color of the oil (if you have the opportunity to look): black or with metal shavings is a bad sign.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In the class of subcompact hatchbacks, Nissan Note E12 there are many rivals. Let's look at the main ones:

Model	Pros	Cons	Price (resale, 2018 onwards)
Toyota Yaris (XP130)	Reliability, low consumption	Cramped interior, expensive maintenance	850–1,100 thousand rubles.
Honda Jazz (GE)	Spacious interior, “magic” seats	Weak engines (1.3 i-DSI)	900–1,200 thousand rubles.
Hyundai i20 (GB)	Modern design, good sound insulation	Less ground clearance, weak suspension	750–1,000 thousand rubles.
Kia Rio X-Line	More space, all-wheel drive (optional)	Stiffer suspension, more expensive to maintain	950–1,300 thousand rubles.

Main advantage Note E12 before competitors - spacious salon (despite its compact dimensions) and low cost of ownership. For example, suspension repairs are cheaper than Toyota Yaris, and spare parts are easier to find than for Honda Jazz.

But there are also disadvantages: Note loses in dynamics (especially with a motor 1.2), sound insulation and quality of interior trim. If comfort on the highway is more important to you, take a closer look at Hyundai i20 or Kia Rio.

How to choose a used one Nissan Note E12: checklist

Buying a used car is always a risk, but Note E12 You can save money if you know what to look for. Here are the key points:

Pay special attention CVT (if there is one). Ask the seller:

• 📅 When was the last time you changed the oil in CVT?
• 🔧 Have there been any problems with the box overheating?
• 🚗 Was the car towed (this is fatal for the variator)?

If the seller avoids answering or says that “the oil has not been changed, it is there for the entire service life” - this is a reason to refuse the deal. Also worth checking VIN for accidents (for example, through the service Autocode or CarVertical).

⚠️ Attention: Many Note E12 Model years 2012–2014 had problems with ABS unit, which could fail due to moisture. Symptoms: light comes on ABS on the dashboard, the brakes work jerkily. Repair costs 15–25 thousand rubles..

Maintenance and repair: how much does it cost?

Nissan Note E12 refers to budget cars, but this does not mean that its service is free. Let's look at the main expense items:

Type of work	Frequency	Cost (with spare parts), rub.
Changing the engine oil	Every 10,000 km	2 500–3 500
Changing the oil in the variator	Every 60,000 km	6 000–8 000
Replacing brake pads (front)	Every 30,000–40,000 km	3 000–5 000
Replacing the timing chain	Every 150,000 km	12 000–18 000
Suspension diagnostics	Every 20,000 km	1 500–2 500

You can save on maintenance if:

• 🛒 Buy consumables from trusted online stores (for example, Exist.ru or Emgrand).
• 🔧 Do simple work (changing oil, filters) yourself.
• 📅 Follow promotions from official dealers (sometimes they offer discounts on maintenance up to 30%).

The most expensive repair is CVT replacement (from 100,000 rub.) or engine capital (from 80,000 rub.). To avoid this, it is enough to follow the maintenance regulations and not skimp on quality consumables.

Tuning and improvements: what can be improved?

Nissan Note E12 - not a sports car, but even it can be made more comfortable, more dynamic or more stylish. Here are some popular modifications:

• 🎨 External tuning:
  • Installation of body kit (for example, from Nismo or universal kits).
  • Window tinting (allowed standard - 30% for the front ones).
  • LED optics (replacement of lamps in headlights and dimensions).
• 🚀 Improved dynamics:
  • Chip tuning (for 1.5 HR15DE can be removed up to 120–125 hp).
  • Exhaust system installation 4-2-1 (for naturally aspirated engines).
• 🛋️ Comfort:
  • Sound insulation of doors and arches (for example, with materials StP).
  • Replacing the standard radio with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

The most useful modification - installation of additional hood insulation. This helps the engine warm up faster in winter and reduces fuel consumption by 5–10%.

But from suspension lowering better to refuse - Note is not designed for this, and after such modification the struts, silent blocks and CV joints will begin to wear out quickly.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

To objectively evaluate Nissan Note E12, we analyzed reviews from owners on the forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and on social networks. Here's what they highlight:

Pros:

• 💰 Low cost of ownership (cheap spare parts, simple design).
• 🚗 Spacious interior for its class (especially the back row).
• 🛣️ Good maneuverability in the city (small turning radius).
• 🔧 Easy to repair (many works can be done yourself).

Cons:

• 🔊 Noisy interior at speeds above 90 km/h.
• ⚡ Weak dynamics with the motor 1.2.
• 🛑 Instability on the highway with side winds.
• 💧 Leaks of oil seals and seals after 100,000 km.

Many owners note that Note E12 — an ideal car for the city, but not for long trips. They also often complain about uncomfortable seats (especially over long distances) and weak stove in the cold.

Interesting fact: on the secondary market Note with Manual transmission sold at 10–15% cheaper than with CVT, despite the greater reliability of the mechanics. This is due to the low demand for “handles” in the subcompact class.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note 2 generations

❓ Which engine is the most reliable?

The most reliable - 1.5 HR15DE (110 hp). It is easier to maintain than a turbocharged one 1.2T, and more powerful than the basic one 1.2. The main thing is to monitor the oil level and prevent overheating.

❓ Is it worth taking Note E12 with a variator?

You can, but only if:

• Mileage up to 100,000 km.
• There is a service history with regular oil changes in CVT.
• There are no jerks during acceleration and braking.

If at least one condition is not met, it is better to look for an option with Manual transmission or Automatic transmission.

❓ What is the real fuel consumption?

Depends on engine and driving style:

• 1.2 (79 hp) — 6.5–7.5 l/100 km (city).
• 1.2T (98 hp) — 7–8 l/100 km (city).
• 1.5 (110 hp) — 8–9 l/100 km (city).

On the highway, consumption drops to 5–6 l/100 km for 1.2 And 1.2T, up to 6.5 l/100 km for 1.5.

❓ Which tires are better to install?

Recommended sizes:

• 185/65 R15 - standard for most trim levels.
• 195/55 R16 - for versions with disks R16.

The best options in terms of price/quality ratio:

• 🌨️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Michelin X-Ice North.
• ☀️ Summer: Toyo Proxes CF2 or Continental ContiPremiumContact 5.

❓ Is it possible to install HBO?

Technically yes, but:

• 🔧 On 1.2T install HBO not recommended — the turbo engine is sensitive to detonation.
• ⚡ On 1.5 HR15DE you can install HBO 4th generation, but only from trusted masters.
• 💰 Payback - from 50,000 km (with mileage 20,000 km/year).

Important: after installing HBO, you will have to change the spark plugs more often (every 20,000 km) and monitor the valves (risk of burnout).