Don't buy a rust-bucket and you won't have that problem. That applies to any vehicle, if all the hardware is rusted solid it will be a pain to work on. I've seen plenty of rusted out Hondas around here too. Older Japanese cars rust faster than just about anything, just look at all the Tacomas and 4Runners with rusted out frames (my local Toyota dealer always has a stack of rusty frames behind the body shop).


XJs are a very simple design and generally easy to work on but if you are constantly fighting rusty bolts even simple repairs turn into a big pain.


To the OP: which ever you end up getting if you live some place that uses road salt make sure to check it over carefully for rust, especially underneath.

 

Best advice don't let bimmer frighten you, my 7 year old son helping me install an sye with nothing but basic hand tools...as to which Jeep to get it all comes down to personal preference. I've owned both (as well as a zj), of the three I actually liked the zj the best.