Used Nissan Note for sale near Clacton-on-sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 380
Average Price: Around £4,600

Nissan Note (2013-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
More spacious and practical than a conventional supermini	Some safety kit was reserved for upper trim levels
Economical to run	Not as reliable as you'd expect
Comfortable ride and handling	A Ford B-Max is more fun to drive

Quick Summary

The Nissan Note (2013-2017) is a compact MPV that blurs the line between a supermini and a people carrier, offering surprising spaciousness without the bulk of a traditional family car. Built in Sunderland, this second-generation Note features a more supermini-like appearance than its predecessor, with a lower roofline and sportier proportions. The interior is genuinely spacious, with rear seats that slide 150mm to adjust legroom and boot space, plus rear doors that open to almost 90 degrees for easy access. The driving position is rather high-set and lacks steering wheel reach adjustment, which may frustrate taller drivers, but visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and an airy cabin.

The Note offers excellent value for money with a simple, economical engine range: a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol (78bhp, 60.1mpg), a supercharged 1.2 DIG-S petrol (97bhp, 65.6mpg), and a 1.5 dCi diesel (89bhp, 78.5mpg). All variants feature low CO2 emissions and tax costs, with insurance groups ranging from 6 to 10. Service intervals are straightforward at 12 months or 12,500 miles, with fixed-price servicing available from Nissan dealers. On the road, the Note handles well for its size with a compliant ride, light steering, and reliable stability, though it doesn't match the Ford Fiesta for dynamic handling.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking practicality and space, families needing flexible interior configurations, and those prioritising economical running costs and comfortable everyday driving.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting the most engaging driving experience, those requiring comprehensive safety equipment as standard, or buyers seeking maximum reliability in the compact MPV segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Note if: You're seeking a practical, spacious, and economical compact MPV on a tight budget, or need flexible interior configurations for varying passenger and cargo needs.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging driving dynamics, require comprehensive safety equipment as standard, or value maximum reliability and expert endorsement.

Competitive Position: The Nissan Note (2013-2017) occupies a unique niche in the compact MPV market, offering exceptional practicality and space at an affordable price point. Whilst rivals like the Ford B-Max deliver superior driving dynamics and the Honda Jazz provides better reliability, the Note's combination of spaciousness, economical running costs, and low purchase price makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families. The Note's flexible interior and comfortable ride compensate for its less engaging handling, positioning it as a sensible, honest alternative to more conventional superminis or larger family cars.

Read our full Nissan Note Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.