The headgasket problem was only for the 1990 and newer models. In fact early 3.4s had the same failure. It isn't like 22Rs don't have headgasket failures. I've replaced plenty of them for friends. And, dare I bring up the 22R's plastic timing chain guides?
Actually the earlier V-6 models had problems too, but the recall for them ended early because Toyota chose to make the cut off for '87 and '88 models, 10 years.
Any headgasket issues with the 22R series is almost exclusively related to overheating the motor. When overheated, the headgasket can fail, just as it can on any motor, but headgasket failure on the 22R/RE because of defects are almost unheard of. Most 22Rs go many hundreds of thousands of miles on the original head gaskets. The timing chain is definately an issue, but for the most part it's predictable, you get an audiable warning for a period of time and for anyone with a basic mechanical knowledge it can be fixed for only the cost of parts. Then you have another couple hundred thousand worry free miles ahead of you.
The problem with the V-6 headgasket issue is that damage to the block and cylinder can and does occure without the owner even knowing about it as the leak is usually internal and slow. That's why Toyota had to replace so many motors. So, as if replacing the headgaskets wasn't enough of a pain, now you have to worry if the block was scorched as well. If it was still under recall, it wasn't as big a deal, but now any damage will come out of your pocket. Its not as easy of a fix for the backyard mechanic either.
Otherwise, the V-6 is a darn good motor. Heck, much of its design was carried over for the 3.4 V-6 and most of us wish we had that wonderful motor in our trucks instead. If I was looking for a V-6 truck, I'd look for one with a newer motor that was replaced by Toyota. Then at least it would be worth it. Usually the price doesn't reflect the new motor.
