Nissan Note buyers across the UK still search for this small MPV years after it first appeared in showrooms, and it remains one of the more sensible choices in the used car market today.
The Nissan Note built its name between 2012 and 2017 as a compact family car that many drivers still search for on used car listing platforms today.
A friend of mine searched for cars for sale last year, and the number of listings for the Nissan Note genuinely surprised us both.
Nearly 770 examples appeared under one search alone, which shows just how strong the range of stock really is across the UK right now.
Expert reviewers who compile detailed guides on the Nissan Note often score it around 5 out of 10.
After extensive testing, most agree that its spacious interior and frugal engines make it a genuinely practical MPV for everyday family life.
What stands out most about the Nissan Note is how big on practicality it feels the moment you sit inside.
The SUV craze keeps pulling buyers toward taller vehicles, yet this small package still delivers plenty of room where it counts.
Nissan maximized the cabin space so it suits families and young families who need extra room without stepping up to something larger.
The Nissan Note remains easy to drive, smooth on the road, and generally affordable to run for most owners.
Dealer listings under used car sections show that its everyday features genuinely add day to day value for buyers.
No car is perfect, and the Nissan Note has its share of criticism too.
Some reviewers point to cheap-feeling plastics inside, and quality on certain trims does not always match rivals in this class.
Dull styling comes up often in owner discussions since the car looks closer to a regular hatchback than something adventurous.
Even so, its impressive boot size and status as a proper multi-purpose vehicle keep it firmly on the shortlist for compact, economical family transport.
This car remains a sensible, no-nonsense choice for anyone shopping the used car market today.
Is the Nissan Note a Good Car
Automotive reviewers have awarded the Nissan Note around 2.9 out of 5 stars, praising its practicality while noting it is far from the most exciting hatchback on sale.
Scored category by category, it earns 3 out of 5 for looks thanks to a bold front grille and shapely rear light clusters.
The square lines keep it from feeling truly modern, and the interior scores just 2 out of 5 because it uses too many hard surfaces rather than soft materials.
It also scores 2 out of 5 for driving since the jumpy ride and inconsistent controls make it feel wearing over long journeys.
Practicality and power both score 3 out of 5, reflecting its sensible, everyday nature rather than any sporting pretensions.
Under the bonnet, buyers get a choice of three engines to suit different driving needs and budgets.
The range starts with a non-turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol, moves up to a supercharged 1.2-litre petrol, and finishes with a 1.5-litre diesel.
Most owners find the diesel offers the best balance of pace and running costs, making it cheap to run for daily driving.
Reviewers score reliability, safety, and running costs at 4 out of 5, largely thanks to the built-in safety shield system.
This system brings both active and passive driver aids to the table, adding real peace of mind on busy roads.
Equipment scores 3 out of 5 and covers standard fitments like cruise control, remote central locking, and Bluetooth phone connection.
Automatic headlights, sat-nav, and climate control appear on higher trims, while the entry-level Visia trim comes with fewer extras.
A warmer version with bigger wheels and suspension tweaks does perk up the handling noticeably for drivers wanting enjoyable.
On the road, the Nissan Note cannot match a typical hot hatch for excitement, but its light controls make town driving effortless.
The comfortable suspension keeps things settled even on rougher roads, and diesel engines only become noticeable under harder acceleration.
There is enough space for four adults to travel without feeling cramped, even on longer journeys.
Compared with rivals in the same class, plus a full range of colour choices in metallic and pearlescent finishes, this remains a resolutely sensible choice.
It offers good value for money, drives well, and improves on its predecessor in nearly every way that matters to family buyers.
The design and driving experience will not thrill anyone chasing frivolous pursuits, but that was never really the point of this car.
How Practical Is the Nissan Note
Practicality remains the single biggest reason people choose the Nissan Note over other small cars in its class.
Sitting in the back myself, the tall roofline genuinely gives head room that taller passengers will appreciate on longer trips.
The rear bench slides forwards and backwards on the Acenta Premium model, so leg room stretches out easily for growing families.
Even compared with a bigger SUV, the Nissan Note holds its own rather than feeling like a compromise on space.
Boot capacity is another strong point, with boot space rated at 381 litres as standard.
That figure expands to 1,465 litres once you fold the rear seats flat, giving genuine room for prams, shopping, or luggage.
Every model gets five doors as standard, along with ISOFIX anchor points on the outer seats for fitting a child seat safely.
An adjustable false floor makes life easier for young families managing pushchairs on busy school runs.
Running costs stay reasonable too, with insurance groups sitting between 10 and 15 out of a possible 50.
Fixed price servicing through authorised retailers helps control ongoing maintenance and storage planning inside the cabin over time.
What is the driving experience of a Nissan Note?
Behind the wheel, the Nissan Note feels most at home navigating suburban areas and tight parking spaces.
Its compact dimensions and light steering make manoeuvring simple, even for less confident drivers new to the car.
The entry-level 1.2-litreengine produces 79bhp,which suits city driving well and returns up to 60.1mpg for those watching fuel costs.
Stepping up, the supercharged unit offers a more linear power delivery and reaches 65.7mpg thanks to the available automatic gearbox option.
This remains a rare option among small cars of this type, giving buyers real flexibility when choosing how they want to drive.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 89bhp, feels genuinely punchy from low in the rev range, and works as a capable cruiser on faster roads.
It returns close to 80mpg with careful driving, which felt impressive during a motorway test drive I took recently.
On twistier country roads, the ride stays planted thanks to reduced body roll, a common weak point among taller small cars.
This previous-generation Nissan Note was always considered competent rather than exciting, and that reputation still holds up well today.
Compared with a regular hatchback, the clutch and petrol engines feel forgiving, and while nobody would call it thrilling, there is more pace here than most expect.
What Is the Nissan Note Like Inside
Step inside and the cabin feels well bolted together, with soft touch plastics appearing in most of the places your hands actually touch.
Standard cruise control, remote central locking, and USB connectivity come fitted across the range as a baseline.
A stereo powered by four speakers comes as standard, rising to six speakers on higher trims for better sound quality.
Move up to the Acenta Premium trim and you gain satellite navigation and climate control, both genuinely useful additions for longer trips.
The range-topping Tekna model adds keyless entry, keyless start, sixteen inch alloy wheels, and part leather seats for a more premium feel.
Safety technology deserves real praise here too, with electronic stability control, lane departure warning, and blind spot assistance all featuring on well-equipped cars.
The built-in safety shield system also includes a 360 degree camera that makes parking far less stressful for nervous drivers.
How Much Does the Nissan Note Cost
Pricing on the used market shows the Nissan Note carrying an original price range between roughly £10,400 and £19,105 when new.
A used Nissan Note today can start from as little as £1,995, making it an accessible option for budget conscious buyers.
Shopping around clearly pays off here, since prices vary noticeably between sellers and trim levels across the country.
Nissan Note Colours
Colour choice on the Nissan Note ranges from included options like pearl black, flame red, and sonic blue at no extra cost.
Paid finishes such as arctic white sit at the lower end of the price scale, with several metallic shades priced a little higher.
Ink blue and magnetic red both sit in the mid price bracket, while a pearl storm white finish tops the range.
This gives buyers a genuinely wide palette to personalise their car to suit personal taste.
Is the Nissan Note Right for Me ?
If practicality matters more than outright styling, the Nissan Note still makes sense despite the ongoing popularity of SUVs sweeping the market.
It remains a genuine MPV with decent levels of equipment and efficient engine choices that keep it an affordable family car.
It is worth cross-shopping against rivals too, since other small MPVs in this class offer bigger boots or added comfort depending on your priorities.
Buyers wanting sportier styling from the same brand might also look at other models in the range before deciding.
Why Buy a Used Nissan Note
Buying a used car through an official dealer network brings real peace of mind for most buyers.
Look for nationwide dealer locations backed by strong customer reviews and a solid reputation built over many years.
Every car should go through a proper preparation process, inspected by a qualified technician and fully valeted before sale.
Each vehicle should also come fully history checked to protect buyers from hidden issues like outstanding finance or accident damage.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff make the buying process easier, whether you visit a dealership in person or explore online options first.
Flexible finance options let buyers arrange payments from home, with tailored service plans designed to spread cost and support saving money on maintenance over time.
Combined with a strong selection of used cars, this approach makes buying a Nissan Note an easy, low-stress experience.
FAQs
Is the Nissan Note available with an automatic gearbox?
Yes, certain Nissan Note models come with a CVT automatic gearbox, especially on the supercharged petrol version.
Is the Nissan Note popular in the UK?
Yes, the Nissan Note remains a common sight on UK roads thanks to its practical size and low running costs.
Will there be a new Nissan Note in 2026?
No confirmed 2026 Nissan Note has been announced, so buyers currently rely on the existing used and older models.
Is an old Nissan Note still worth buying today?
Yes, an older Nissan Note still makes a smart choice for families wanting space and reliability on a smaller budget.
Does the Nissan Note come in black?
Yes, black is one of the popular colour choices available across most Nissan Note trims and model years.
