HI Don,
good points, I too am not sure how things will go with the iMIiEV here re spare parts etc, so I asked the dealer for a price list for replacement aircon compressor, alloy wheels, windscreen etc. All came back with good pricing and availability which is good as for a hire out car, time waiting for parts is money not coming in for car paying off.
I noted the comment re the front loader washing machine and it is a good comparision to the imiev, if a bearing goes in the washing machine, you can hear it going and plan for replacement, but a motherboard tends to stop without much warning , perhaps the odd malfunction.
The imiev circuits could be the same.
In NZ, the consumer law helps, in that for a private person buying, the Car must last a reasonable period of time, as does a washer machine also need to.
For instance, if the car or washer broke down 7 months after the warranty expired, and the car or washer was otherwise in good order, then the vehicle or washer is covered and must be fixed by the dealer even though the warranty is finished.
For example, it does depend on what is considered standard. A washing machine might have a two year warranty but one would expect a five year no problems life with maybe a ten year with repairs expected.
The machine breaks after say three years, then after the two year warranty, the consumers law says it is to be fixed still by the dealer.
I would expect that the imiev would if sold here, have the same provisions, so if the BMS broke or a motor broke after after the warranty but within the expected trouble free life of the car, then it would be covered still.
I think it does need common sense though, I don't think it covers everything, but what one would reasonably expect to be covered usually is. We had a recall for our Hiluxes for a steering arm possible fault and that was way after the warranty finished, and for our holden, the seat controls bracket keep breaking and as a known fault they replaced them even after the warranty.
Hope that helps NZ buyers considering an iMiEV.Though as always, consult your free, community, law office first.
Here in NZ for the iMiEV, we have free serviceing for the first three years too ! Tyres and fluids not counted, mainly only labour free. I have allowed $ 2, 500 per year for tyres and replacement parts in my budgeting, though I am expecting less as I am hoping only tyres to wear out if used for say postal delivery. The U turns tend to scrub out tyres on the front on our other cars.
I think the iMiEV is cool, and if it only had another 20 % battery capacity for a confirmed 120 Km at 100 Km hr it would be great.
Oh, and a price of $ 37, 000 NZ would help the payback in fuel saving too..