Hello,

I'm looking at a XJ8 Sport with 145000. miles on a 4.0 engine. car in and clean in and out.
What do I look for or stay away?

Ole

 

First off, welcome Ole...

Please give us the year, because as time progressed, engine changes were made, amongst other things. Pics are very helpful as well. Plus there is a Sticky How To at the top of the forum with helpful information as well to help with your inquiry.
Just to give you a better idea, the "A" drum is a know weak point in the trans and a Transgo kit is very helpful at preventing its failure. It will shift hard into 2nd or 3rd.
Drive it, listen for a thunk in the rear, probably needs shocks and dampers. Check the front shock towers for crumbling rubber, the bushings are toast, but fixable. Is there a wire going to the shock towers (this is CATS equipped). Do the standard ball joint and bearing checks. Look for VIN stickies on the passenger fender and trunk...if missing, its probably been wrecked and replaced. Jags have VIN stickies all around.