Trying to narrow the problem. It seems like coolant is leaking near the water pump from where the location of the coolant spill on the ground. Now would a defective thermostat would be the cause of the leak since its not opening up. Or is it just the water pump going bad?

 

If its by the waterpump then most likely your waterpump is taking a ****. Replace it

 

would i be able to drive the car for a bit and just refilling the radiator with coolant when its low?

 

Yea its driveable but I wouldnt recommend any long or highway drives. Just keep an eye on your coolant level. Looking at the resevoir tank will not help. I would poor coolant into the radiator as much as possible if you're planning on driving. But if it was me, I wouldn't do it.

 

dont drive it with a bad water pump

 

I have the same type of problem, coolant was sputtering/gushing from the resevoir tank when i came back from a 2 hour trip. My temperature gauge showed a good temp, my fans wernt turning on. and this morning I went to mess with it. i refilled it with some water into the tank and radiator. my fans now turn on. but the coolant inside the resevioir tank is bubbling. like the hose running from the radiator is pushing coolant out. Is my thermostat closed up? or going bad... ?