I had a 1989 XJS convertible for about 7 years and this was such a great forum, and, such a wealth of knowledge that was freely shared, thanks.
I have a chance to buy a relatives 1997 XJ8 convertible, 45,000miles. He had it since 2000 and put 25K on it. Stopped driving it and lost interest in it about 8 months ago. There it sits with a dead battery. He says the hydraulic system needs juice every year, so yeah, theres a leak. Minor scratches. He showed me a sheaf of dealer repair invoices, yikes. Multiple batteries, I'll say this is the third in the 20 years he has owned it. A new water pump at 23000 miles AND 36000 miles. "Replace the secondary cam tensioners" at 31000 miles. Is this the timing chain tensioner job that needs to be done on this engine, or something different. Looks like $800 of labor in 2009. Well maintained with oil changes on schedule, but sat in garage now with no oil change in at least 8 months, probably more. Tires were $380 each, but now 9 years old with 10000 miles on them. Those are the things I remember, but, there was a pile of invoices there. I'm thinking of buying it since he is giving me the relative price of $3000. Then I have to drive it 200 miles home. New battery? Oil change? Get it towed? Run? Advice please.

 

XJ8 convertible? Could it be a XK8? Definitely new battery, oil change not critical but nice. The fuel pump may have failed. Tires okay for short run if not heavily cracked, better at reduced speed. The 97 hydraulic hoses are more robust than later years so the rams probably need rebuilding. If you can't do the maintenance and repairs yourself you should probably walk away, but definitely find an independent shop not a dealer.
I could write a book, but that's enough. Others will add.

 

A friend had a later model and the hydraulics for the top self-destructed just as he was taking it to my mechanic for a once-over before selling it. I think he knew someone who rebuilt the mechanisms and said something about maybe $1,200. Can't swear to it, but "green rain" from the top hydraulics are a known issue. Once fixed, should have a good bit of life in it. If you are handy, you can probably do the job yourself. there are a few videos on youtube about the repair.

 

Oh, right XK8 , I'll move over to that forum, but, thanks, for one, I didn't know the rams were a big deal, I replaced one on my XJS and my 2004 Mustang and it wasnt a big job.