I'm looking to purchase a used Mini and there is one in my area that is listed for $21,500. It is a 2006 S with the Checkmate package with 25,700 miles on it. Is this a reasonable price for a car with this package? I searched online trying to find the original pricing for that package and the details of what is included, but could not find much. I believe the car has the premium sound system and heated seats added too.

Also, does the 2006 S have a history of any known problems that I should be sure to check for? Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

I think that no used R53 should be worth more than a new R56. I would offer at most maybe 18k. Remember though, this car still has a warranty until 2010 or the next 25000 mi. The 05-06 R53's are probably the best to buy, because many of the small issues were worked out by those model years.

 

The Checkmate Package was originally $2200.

Here's what I found on it from MotoringFile.com:

"Cooper S Checkmate Package

DSC
Sport leather steering wheel
17″ flame spoke (performance tires)

roof & mirror cap in black
black bonnet stripes
black checkmate logos
-or-
roof & mirror caps in silver
silver bonnet stripes
silver checkmate logos

checkmate dash
front fog lamps
xenon headlights
white indicators
checkmate cloth/leather."

So, it's mostly a modified version of the regular "Sport" package. Whether or not it's worth $21,500 would depend on what other options the car has. If it has the Harman/Kardon stereo upgrade, the front speaker grilles in the doors will have "Harman/Kardon" stamped into them.

If you call 866-ASK-MINI or visit your local dealer, they should be able to run the VIN and tell you all of the options the car originally had.

 

did all the R53's come with the factory LSD included in the Checkmate package or was it an option?

 

The LSD wasn't included in the Checkmate Package. The package included DSC. The Checkmate package was just a special version of the Sport package, which is why it came with the 17" wheels, xenon lights, and DSC.

The LSD was never included as part of any option package except the JCW package. Even then, it was only available with the manual transmission, not the automatic, so not all of the JCW cars had LSD. For all other R53/R52 cars, the LSD was an a la carte option and not part of any package.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'll continue to look around. What were the small issues/problems that were present in the '02-'04s that were worked out in the '05-present?

 

this should help u out a bit...
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/