I just purchased a 2002 XJ8 and it has a rattle in the engine when it idles. It goes away after a while. Lifter? The car is in mint cond. and only has 88,000 miles.

 

I'm thinking it is probably the secondary cam chain tensioner(s). Rattles in the engine are not normal. Mint condition in appearance has nothing to do with interior condition of an internal combustion engine. Get it checked out.

Again, rattles in an engine are not normal.

 

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Howzabout some more information than just a rattle: where, on start up, or while idling, when cruising. If it is at start up, it is secondary tensioners (90% positive) and the timing is about to jump a gear and ruin your engine (80% positive); at idle, guessing water pump (if original, a weak link, will ruin your engine - 70% positively going to happen), if at cruising speed, engine may already be toast (~50%).

 

Do a search for VVT and look for videos. I posted one myself. They often rattle when cold.

Post more info and you will get good advice.