Hi, I´m new to this forum. The F355 has always been the car of my dreams but living in Iceland we do not have a Ferrari dealership and being an island there is no easy transport to and from. I am now at the point in my life that I can afford these things and would be willing to spend money on my passion. The question is, is it a lost cause to own a Ferrari if you do not have a dealer in your country? How much service and maintenance needs to be done that would require specialized tools? I think the next Ferrari dealer and service is in Norway or Sweden. I´ve also been looking into the possibility of buying a newer Ferrari, a 360 or maybe a F430 but my true passion is with the F355. The car would only be used on good days and garage kept. Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
The 355 is somewhat owner serviceable if you're handy. Parts can be ordered online, and not many specialized tools are really necessary. Otherwise the best option may be to locate an independent mechanic who's worked on high end cars and see if he could help you out.
I wouldn't do it. Even though I have been lucky enough to do all of the service on the car (so far) myself, you never know when you might need something major done. I wouldn't trust the car to a non-Ferrari mechanic IMHO.
Welcome to F-Chat. There are many authorized Ferrari mechanics who would fly out and perform service and repair to Ferrari cars in places and countries where no service is available. I am sure you will easily locate one in a country closest to you where Ferrari service is available. Contact them and discuss this matter with them prior to buying the car. If you feel comfortable with this setup (I do and I use such service for other makes), proceed and buy your dream car.
Welcome to Fchat. My wife and I will be vacationing in Reykjavik this summer. If you get your ferrari by then, we can have the very first Iceland Fchat meet
Thank you for your nice replies. Moving is maybe not the best solution since I own a successful business here Also the cost of transport to Sweden/Norway is not the problem more the time and bother to do so. I am also just trying to imagine how often I would have to do this. Once every 2 years or maybe once a year would not bother me to much but if I have to do it more often I´m afraid the ownership experience will not be that pleasant. Flighing over specialists sound reasonable this is a possibility I will look closer into. Nsxnick - I´m afraid finding the right car will take longer than that, but you will have a good time in Iceland
Scotland would be another possibility, and it's closer to you than Norway or Sweden. In addition to the official Ferrari dealership there are some very good independent Ferrari specialists who might be able to help you.
If you get a car that is fully sorted out, fresh major service etc before you get it transported to iceland, you should be able to go 2 years doing just oil changes on your own. Of course if the car has a mechanical issue that is unexpected, what can you do....?
Welcome to F-Chat! How are the roads in Iceland? Are there many areas where you could wind up the F355 when you get it?
I have been to Iceland a few times and I guess you could drive between the airport in Keflavik and Reykjavik Most other cars on Iceland look like this, I wonder why.... If you need to get in contact with someone who can help you with your questions about shipping and servicing I would recommend Von Braun Sports Cars here in Sweden. They have a world wide network and sell cars all over the world. Most cars probably end up in oil producing countries, but I am sure they would make an exception and help you out If you need me to help you get in contact with them PM me Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yes we do have alot of 4x4s and the reason is that mountain driving is popular. The roads are ok, at least enough to wind a F355 up a bit. There is also a motorsport/circuit in the making that will be ready around 2009-2010. In the capital area we do not have that much snow(in wintertime) and you could use a sportscar about 7-8 months a year. I would never be thinking of this if I knew I couldn´t use it. Johan please send my the contact info, I would really appreciate it. Ianmac, thanks for the info.
There is a car ferry from Seyðisfjörður Iceland to Bergen Norway according to: http://www.visiteurope.com/ccm/travel_tips/detail/?nav_cat=212&lang=en_US&item_url=/NTO-Iceland/uniquepages/transportation/by-boat-to-iceland.pt_BR So once every three years to Norway on vacation. Nice drive for the 355.
Bergen in Norway or Hanstholm in Denmark would work. Hanstholm is definitely closer to the local Ferrari service center on the west cost of sweden. Image Unavailable, Please Login
