This past Monday evening, I got a flat on my front driver's side tire. I attempted to use the so-called "tire repair kit" that comes with the iMiEV (rather than an actual spare). The damage was apparently too severe for the repair kit as all it did was leave a giant puddle of sealant on the pavement and a still-flat tire.
I had my Meepster towed to my local dealer, which was fortunately only 4 miles away. Just got off the phone with the dealer's service department a few minutes ago. They are recommending that I replace all four tires since the remaining tread on all four tires was 3/32" or less. My Meepster was bought new in July 2013 and has 35.5K miles on it. I am having the dealership order the new OEM tires and install them since the total cost they quoted me for new tires installed was actually (and surprisingly) less than what it would cost for me to order new tires from TireRack.com and have them shipped to a local installer to be installed ($684 via the dealership vs. $689 via TireRack.com and local installer).
As for the topic of this post. I emailed the service advisor after talking with him on the phone because I forgot to inquire about the tire repair kit. I asked if a new bottle of tire sealant would be included with the service I am receiving, or if I would have to purchase a new bottle. He just replied a few minutes ago saying that he looked into the matter. After reviewing the available options, the service advisor said he recommends that I purchase the tire repair kit for the Mitsubishi Mirage rather than the iMiEV. The Mirage kit comes with the exact same sealant as the iMiEV and a new air compressor for $30. The tire sealant ALONE for the iMiEV is $150!!!!!!!!! Needless to say, I asked for the Mirage kit!
I can only assume that the massive price gouging on iMiEV replacement parts is an attempt to make up for unrealized revenue from a lack of service/maintenance from iMiEV owners.
I had my Meepster towed to my local dealer, which was fortunately only 4 miles away. Just got off the phone with the dealer's service department a few minutes ago. They are recommending that I replace all four tires since the remaining tread on all four tires was 3/32" or less. My Meepster was bought new in July 2013 and has 35.5K miles on it. I am having the dealership order the new OEM tires and install them since the total cost they quoted me for new tires installed was actually (and surprisingly) less than what it would cost for me to order new tires from TireRack.com and have them shipped to a local installer to be installed ($684 via the dealership vs. $689 via TireRack.com and local installer).
As for the topic of this post. I emailed the service advisor after talking with him on the phone because I forgot to inquire about the tire repair kit. I asked if a new bottle of tire sealant would be included with the service I am receiving, or if I would have to purchase a new bottle. He just replied a few minutes ago saying that he looked into the matter. After reviewing the available options, the service advisor said he recommends that I purchase the tire repair kit for the Mitsubishi Mirage rather than the iMiEV. The Mirage kit comes with the exact same sealant as the iMiEV and a new air compressor for $30. The tire sealant ALONE for the iMiEV is $150!!!!!!!!! Needless to say, I asked for the Mirage kit!
I can only assume that the massive price gouging on iMiEV replacement parts is an attempt to make up for unrealized revenue from a lack of service/maintenance from iMiEV owners.