Tried and failed miserably to get a decent X-type for a winter runabout while my XK8 sleeps. Every one of them so far has been a rust bucket or the sellers just don't respond after questioning.

But I believe in serendipity.

An XJ8 at a bargain price has popped up not too far away from me (less than the X-type heaps of rust I saw). This is actually my preferred "other car". I have loved this model since the XJ6's when I was a kid in England. Cops and robbers ride of choice.
The seller has been very honest (nice middle-aged lady). The car overheats very quickly (15 minutes) so is parked up in her garage. No other issues. She says thermostat, but could be water pump too I suppose. Says car is holding coolant. It's just not doing its job.
Am I right to take a gamble, buy it and fix those things, or am I barking mad and wasting my limited retirement funds? (I don't want a divorce over my Jag obsession.)

We have a truck and I can rent a car trailer for about $120/day. I have asked her to verify the sills' integrity (stuck my fingers right through an otherwise beautiful X-type's this afternoon!). She says gear shifts are smooth, no clunks and reverse engages. It's a 2004 XJ8, 135K miles. I will of course run an OBD2 before parting with cash but will have blown the trailer rental and a day traveling by that point.

What do you guys think? I would love to join the XJ* clan, but don't want a boat anchor... Thanks!

 

2004 is a x350 I think, so you're in the wrong section for the best advice.

 

Thank. Realized that after clicking...

Best,
Edward

 

Probably head gasket failure. How do you know she is being honest ? Because she appears nice, oldest trick in the book. If you are English you should remember Arthur Daley LOL.

Oh and when they overhead they often drop a valve seat.........

 

Check the fam operation and then if the coolant circulates.
Could be just a fuse or a relay.