Only thing that Ive heard bad about the VGs are the rear main seal is a nigger to replace due to the manly drivetrain removal..... and they develop leaks at the pan gasket. The auto tranny issues are more inherent of older models, even then its almost always solenoids going bad (easy fix with only the pan off)...
My motor has 230 K on it, doesnt burn oil, has about perfect compression runs great and looks to be clean inside at inspection under valve cover (took it off to have a look see). SOmeone took reallll goood ccare of this thing. Have the original sticker, and all service records. Interior is seriously a 8.9 out of 10. Quiet, solid and a beast in the snow.
Other than a SLIGHT rear end whine, there is NOTHING wrong with it. Mine is fucking awesome, rides very very nicely and feels MUCH more solid than my cousins NEWER 4runner.