The Nissan Note is a small hatchback with a surprisingly roomy back seat. Newer versions use e-Power, a hybrid system where the petrol engine only charges a battery and an electric motor always drives the wheels. It feels like an electric car to drive, but you fill it with petrol and never plug it in.
Two Generations
| Generation | Years | Engines |
|---|---|---|
| E12 | 2012–2020 | 1.2 petrol; DIG-S (supercharged 1.2); e-Power from late 2016 |
| E13 | 2021 onward | e-Power only, with a more modern interior and better safety kit |
Every E13 Note is an e-Power, even if the auction listing just says "1.2 petrol". The Note AUTECH is a dressed-up E13 with a special grille, better seats and trim.
Which Note Suits You?
- Tight budget, no age limit in your country: an E12 1.2 or DIG-S. Cheap to buy and simple.
- Lowest running costs, lots of town driving: an e-Power. Electric drive is most efficient in stop-start traffic.
- Jamaica or Trinidad & Tobago: only the 2022 cars are new enough for your age limits (see below).
What to Check
- E12 CVT gearbox: ask about fluid changes, and whether the inspector noted any whining or slipping.
- e-Power warning lights: ask for a dashboard photo with the car switched on.
- 12-volt battery: on e-Power cars a weak small battery can stop the car from starting even though the hybrid battery is fine. It is cheap to replace.
- Mileage on a new car: a 2022 car showing 0 km has usually been registered but barely used. Ask for the auction sheet to confirm.
- Always ask for the auction sheet and read it before paying: see how to read a Japanese auction sheet and how to check genuine mileage.
Note in Stock Now
Check your country's age limit first: Kenya and Guyana take cars up to 8 years old (2018 or newer in 2026), Jamaica 5 years and Trinidad & Tobago 4 years. See import age limits by country.
2022 E13 (qualifies for Kenya, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago):
- 2022 Note S (e-Power): about $8,500 delivered to Mombasa (Kenya), $10,000 to Kingston, $10,000 to Port of Spain.
- 2022 Note e-Power S, 17,000 km: about $10,500 to Mombasa, $11,500 to Kingston.
- 2022 Note AUTECH, 5,600 km: about $14,000 to Mombasa, $15,500 to Kingston.
2017 E12 petrol (for markets with no age limit):
- 2017 Note X, 81,000 km: about $3,500 delivered to Mombasa for Uganda, $4,500 to Nassau.
- 2017 Note X DIG-S, 87,000 km: about $4,000 to Mombasa (Uganda).
See all Nissan stock, or browse cars under $5,000 delivered to Mombasa.
Delivered = car price + ocean freight to the port, rounded up to the next $500. Insurance, import duty/taxes, port and clearing charges are extra. Prices are from September 2026 and change as cars sell, so click a car to see its live price. See how to calculate the true landed cost.