NISSAN NOTE (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 27,120 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1398cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1398cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 18 years old, 72% of NISSAN NOTEs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 27,120 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,188 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
98,188
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 NISSAN NOTE has 98,188 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2008 sits between the two at 72%.
NISSAN NOTE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 98% | 43 | 39,991 mi | |
| 2018 | 98% | 62 | 40,813 mi | |
| 2017 | 89% | 7,657 | 42,760 mi | |
| 2016 | 89% | 16,078 | 45,984 mi | |
| 2015 | 86% | 22,450 | 55,402 mi | |
| 2014 | 83% | 34,283 | 63,474 mi | |
| 2013 | 79% | 20,222 | 70,202 mi | |
| 2012 | 76% | 20,521 | 76,223 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 20,258 | 83,533 mi | |
| 2010 | 74% | 24,367 | 89,800 mi | |
| 2009 | 73% | 26,137 | 93,247 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 27,120 | 98,188 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 21,313 | 101,557 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 15,962 | 105,489 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 NISSAN NOTE
The 2008 NISSAN NOTE is a small family car with a 1398cc petrol engine. 27,120 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 98,188 miles at 18 years old, NISSAN NOTE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 NISSAN NOTE Fuel Costs
The 1398cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 NISSAN NOTE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN NOTE Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN NOTEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 NISSAN NOTE
At 18 years old, the NISSAN NOTE is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. With 27,120 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 NISSAN NOTE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 98k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2008 NISSAN NOTE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN NOTE(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£140 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Nissan Models
Explore other Nissan cars or similar models in the same category.
NISSAN QASHQAI
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NISSAN MICRA
2006 · 1386cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2009 · 1596cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2010 · 1398cc Petrol
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