In the UK consumer law effectively gives a 6 year warranty (with some ifs and buts). I've had Apple repair iMacs after 3 /4 years, but they insist that the machine was bought directly from them (online or instore doesn't make a difference).
I'd only buy expensive items direct from Apple in the UK, not a third party reseller simply because Apple do provide great aftercare support. I've had them literally say "we have to repair the computer because of consumer law and because you bought it direct from us"