vladimir:
I don't lose sleep over Nikon warranties; I've yet to have a problem with a Nikon product.
I USED to feel the same way, but digital and advanced technologies like VR have changed all that. While overall I think Nikon quality control is very good, look at the track record of both Nikon and Canon over their digital lines. Banding issues in many models of both Nikon and Canon, backfocus issues, battery issues, AF compatibility issues between Sigma lenses and Nikon camera's are just a few of the problems I can think of that have resulted in a LOT of warranty work. This is not just in one body, the issues have been with Canon D30's, Canon 1D's, Nikon D1's lineup, and in fact most of the models that have been released right up to.. Yes the D200.
Without a warranty, if you get a D200, and it has banding issues, you either need to trust the retailer to exchange it for a new body, or to get them to fix it under THEIR warranty. Nikon is NOT going to fix a non-USA camera in the USA under warranty if at all. Repairs are expensive a reported on average of over $500 per repair if the consumer must pay.
Nikon also does not sell a lot of the high end electronic parts for things like VR lenses to NON-Authorized service centers. Buy Grey lenses, and you take a chance that it will be difficult to have repaired even if you are willing to pay.
At this time, I will not buy a Grey DSLR. I would consider Grey lenses IF the cost savings is significant, but not even then if they use VR technology.
To be fair, I have owned a LOT of Nikon gear over the past 25 years, including the D1x, and the D200. To date I've had two lenses repaired.. period. Both lenses were over 10 years old, and professionally used before needing repair which in both cases was minor. My DSLR's have not needed anything, but I certainly can not say that is true for a LOT of DSLR consumers.