So, new to me car, automatic transmission. Had it about ten days now. In decent shape for the miles, 182,000 of them... Anyway, been driving the car on a regular basis (to work and back), the coolant temp needle was always straight up. Then one morning the display flashed a low coolant just after I started the car. Added coolant, off to work and no problem. Then a couple days later on my way home the temp needle started creeping up. Got home, the next morning I added coolant and figured that would solve the issue. There was some dripping from the bottom of the coolant reservoir so I figured it was cracked/had a hole in it.
Long story short, went to go to town and the needle went up and I went home. Let it cool off, pulled the coolant tank and noticed that where it was leaking was just the "drain" for coolant that spills around the vent cap.
I'm kind of thinking maybe it's a vapor lock of some sort, as the coolant level hadn't changed any. Anyone have any experience with this situation, or tips or ideas? Not sure where the thermostat is located, not sure the correct way to burp air out of the system, etc. Probably going to get one of those downloadable Bentley manuals but in the meantime.

Thanks for any advice or ideas.

Chris