Honestly I've seen 7MGTE's and 1JZ's and 2JZ stripped down next to each other, and its a very similar motor. Most people have proven that the 7MGTE was totally fine and reliable, as much so as a 1JZ. JDM cars are an anomolie with their low mileage though. Any turbo car, that has suffered through 150,000kms + of high underhood heat, 300ZX, 1JZ/7M supra, stuff gets old and cracks and stuff starts leaking...Lots of people with fresh 7MGTE's have zero problems with them, its maintanince thats the problem, more so then raising up boost without supporting mods. Toyota is pretty nice in the fact that the fuel maps go way far on their ECU's, not like Nissan or Subaru that are pretty limited.

JDM cars are a fantasy world of reliability and good condition. Before these cars, you were in for a world of hurt when you got a turbo car for around 5000$. Staying on top of maintaining seals, and coolant lines, and rads and turbo's is critical to keep from overheating or spinning bearings.