We know that when it comes to purchasing a used MINI, whether that be an Approved Used MINI from an official MINI dealership or a second-hand MINI from a local garage, the specifications and packs can be confusing - but here at Dick Lovett MINI, we feel that it is important that future MINI owners understand the specification that they are purchasing - to avoid potential disappointment and a lower part exchange value if you have been mis-sold a specification or pack on your MINI.
There are hundreds of Used MINIs for sale in the marketplace, from franchised dealers to independent dealers and private sellers, but unless you’re MINI experts like us, not everyone understands MINI packs and specifications.
Lots of people assume they are looking for a MINI Cooper, but there are many engine types to choose from. We have put together this myth-busting guide to help you understand MINI packs and specifications before you purchase.
2001 - 2018
When MINI launched in 2001, the models and specifications could be quite confusing, so we have tried our best to explain them here:
- You chose your model for example 3 Door Hatch, Clubman, Countryman
- Choose your engine type: One, One D, Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SD, Cooper D
- Choose your pack: Salt, Pepper and Chili packs, and you will no doubt be thinking "what are they?", but this largely depended on what engine type you had selected.
Each ‘pack’ influenced internal features such as upholstery, as well as exterior features like alloys and rear spoilers. Below is a quick guide to each pack.
MINI SALT PACK
Available only on MINI One and One D models, the Salt pack included;
- Silver interior trim
- Velour floor mats
- Seat height adjustment
- Storage compartment pack
- Interior lights pack
- On-board Computer
MINI PEPPER PACK
Available on MINI One, Cooper and Cooper D models, the Pepper pack included everything in the Salt pack, plus;
- Leather steering wheel
- Rain sensitive wipers
- Auto-lights
- Dual zone auto air conditioning
- 15" Alloy Wheels
- Mirror covers in body colour
MINI CHILI PACK
Available only on MINI Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper SD, Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, the Chili pack included everything in the Pepper pack, plus;
- 3-spoke leather steering wheel
- Rear roof spoiler
- Sport suspension
- Half leather sports seats
- MINI Driving Modes
- LED headlights
However, there are some MINI specifications in the marketplace, which simply don’t exist! Here are some examples:
True:
2010 Model
False:
2013 model
A pepper pack was available on a MINI One model.
A Chili Pack was not available on MINI One models and Sport was not introduced until 2018.
2018 - Present
However, in 2018, the MINI range was made much simpler.
- Pick your model: MINI 3 Door Hatch, MINI 5 Door Hatch, MINI Clubman, MINI Countryman, MINI Convertible, MINI Electric
- Pick your fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, Plug In Hybrid (Countryman Only) or Electric
- Choose your style: Classic, Sport or Exclusive
- Then choose your pack:
These packs are:
- Comfort Pack
- Comfort Plus Pack
- Navigation Pack
- Navigation Plus Pack
- Driving Assistance Pack
If you would like to find out what is included in each of the above packs, you can find out here.
In fact, the best way to check what model you are purchasing is to pay for a HPI Check on the car. This generally costs under £5, but is worth it for checking a specification of a Used MINI. You can also use free websites such as: https://www.carveto.co.uk/blog/car-spec-check/.
If you have any questions about your Approved Used MINI, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.