[elhigh]

I don't know what you call a long trip, but my daily commute is about 45 miles and the IMA doesn't affect the long distance driving at all. Even with the IMA light showing however, I wouldn't be too concerned. With the IMA completely dead, you would wind up with the 12v system starting the car. It sounds COMPLETELY different and quite surprising to hear a conventional starter turn your engine over, after you've gotten used to the near-silent activation via the IMA system.