I can only tyell you what I've experinced with 4x4's.

I have an 88 V6 4runner, the type with the removable top. VERY capable off road. Easy to lift and modify. Downside is the 3.0 liter V6 is prone to head gasket failure. Granted I have 265,000 miles on the origional motor but the HG is spendy to replace.

I also have a 1992 6 cly auto Jeep Cherokee. Pretty much bullet proof (knocks on wood desk) engine and transmission. It currently has 190,000 on the clock and runs great. Gas milage is about the same.

I rented a Jeep Rubicon in Hawaii when I got married and was a little dissappointed in how poorly it rode. Felt really stiff and wandered on the highway. Capable off road but very little if any storage and the dash seemed unusually high. I'm 6'1" and felt like the seat was too low to see well.

I'd say if you get a Toyota look for a 3.4 liter V6 or the good old 22R 4cyl. I'm fairly neew to the Jeep scene so I don't which years are jems and which are so so.

The Cherokee I have seems to run great for a high milage rig. Of course get a compession test on a used truck and avoid rigs that have obviously been used to tow a trailer.

Good luck!