I'll be coming to NZ from the US in late February. I drive a 2006 Prius here. When checking on TradeMe, I see what look like great deals on 'selected' imports of cars from Japan, and am thinking of signing up for, say, a 2012 Prius with more than basic features (I really like cruise control), probably with an AA inspection ... would be great to buy prior to arrival and have a car to drive away.

Are there any things that require caution? For example, does Toyota's standard 8 yr warranty carry over when cars are imported? If not, are the extended warranties worthwhile? Can I expect rude shocks about where warranty service is available (I'll be 25 km south of Blenheim on South Island)? Have there been problems with crooks in the import business? Is it worth doing some background checking on the dealership?