Nissan Note (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 20,521 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1461cc Diesel

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Diesel1461cc14 years old20,521 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1461cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.

76% of MOT tests on Nissan Notes from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 20,521 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,223 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models482nd of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Nissan models400th of 635(bottom half)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-2%(78% avg)

vs Nissan average-5%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

76,223

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Nissan Note had 76,223 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2012 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+11%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+3%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

+4%

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About the 2012 Nissan Note

The 2012 Nissan Note is a small family car. Our records list a 1461cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 20,521 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 76,223 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Note owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Nissan Note Fuel Costs

The 1461cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Nissan Note?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Nissan Note Reliability Trend

Newer Nissan Notes pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Nissan Note

At 14 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 20,521 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2012 Nissan Note stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Nissan Note(2012)	76%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£150
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£300

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Nissan Note

Is the 2012 Nissan Note reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2012 Nissan Notes ended in a pass, from 20,521 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Nissan Note cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Nissan Note?

76% of 20,521 MOT tests on the 2012 Nissan Note ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 482nd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Nissan Note has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Nissan Note has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2006 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Nissan Note?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Nissan Note is 76,223 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.