A gentleman from NC bought my '97 XK8 about a month ago from a Craigslist I had up. He is mechanically inclined and had been looking for one of these for a while and seems like he will be a good caretaker of the car and hopefully receive a lot of enjoyment from it.
I decided it was time to sell it when I found out my vision is rapidly deteriorating and there is nothing that can be done about fixing it. I may not be able to keep my drivers license much longer. I also don't drive much anyways and couldn't justify paying tax, licensing and insurance on it for about 1000 miles per year use. And didn't want it to rot away in the driveway.
In the meantime I got my very own Saab-story for $1100. Cheaper insurance, tax etc. Its a '97 900S convertible. It's no Jag but still fun to drive (while I can still drive anyways). That and its a manual trans and I really missed that.
I want to thank everyone that put up with me and helped me with various things on the Jag.

Dave

 

Sad news, all the best for the future.

 

Happy trails my friend. Come around once in awhile and say hi.

 

My vision is suffering also, so I share your feelings. I still have a few years yet, I think, but I avoid driving at night or taking trips.

 

I've already got a daylight only license from a stroke 20 years ago and recently I had cataract surgery and for about 2 weeks I had the best vision I'd had in years but then after a couple of weeks my vision rapidly deteriorated. Turns out my eyes were to fragile for the cataract surgery and my retinas started to de-laminate. It was catch 22 as the cataracts had gotten bad enough I could have lost my license from that so we gave it a try. I will not likely be able to pass the eye test next year for my renewal. I've been seeing a specialist from Duke and he said its the worst damage of this sort he has seen in his 38 year career. He also said I was lucky my eyes held out as long as they did due to the old damage.

 

My problem also started after cataract surgery and I have scar tissue on one retina, so no correction for that eye, but not as severe as yours. I guess I should consider myself fortunate.

 

Good luck buddy and here's hoping things turn out better than expected.

 

Dave, so sorry to hear buddy, but sounds like she's going to a good home.
Hope your vision doesn't get any worse any time soon and you enjoy the Saab.
Always welcome here Dave......


Best
Jim

 

Good luck to you Dave. Hopefully this works out for you and you have more time to drive than expected.

Saabs are quirky enough, they can be fun.

 

Dave, it's been great reading your advice and your share of Jag stories. Best of luck for you in the coming years it's folks like you that make this forum what it is.

 

Dave - sorry to hear you had to let her go - best wishes

 

Best wishes and I hope your vision stabilizes eventually....

Where in North Carolina does your XK8 buyer live?

 

He said he was from Smithfield, NC.

 

That's not far from where Reverend Sam lives....

 

Dave, we'll miss you. Best wishes and I hope you have lots of fun with the Saab.

John

 

I hope something becomes available to help you, sorry to hear this happening. Best to you and your family.

 

Dave,

Very sorry to hear about your deteriorating eyesight. I hope it stabilises.

Graham

 

Hi Dave,

I'm sad to hear that you're leaving the fold and are faced with diminishing vision. It sounds like you are still after as much automotive fun as possible and that the jag went to another enthusiast.
I spent the night in your fair city early last month on the way back from Chincoteague. Had a really nice dinner at the Golden Leaf Bistro and took a picture at the marker for the wreck of the old 97.
I wish you well and hope you stop by every now and then.

Mike

 

Thanks everyone! I'll still pop in from time to time...


Dave

 

Hi Dave,
Sorry to hear your news, and I hope things settle down.

Good to hear that you won't be a stranger here.

My very best wishes to you.
Mike