Kids hoping in and out 4 doors would be better, but then you have the issue with all the extra glass and sheet metal, whereas with the 1st gen you can leave the shell at home.
The 3.0 will be fine if it has been maintained and repaired correctly, I have just under 200k on my /90 that I have owned since it was new. I have had a valve issue twice, but none in the last 9yrs. IIRC, OOP's has been trouble free with his as well. With you towing it and not DD'ing it, a 3.0 shouldn't be pause for concern. There is also the 3rd gen Runner with the 3.4 available as well, and the aren't holding their value as well as the 1st and 2nd gens.
Depending on budget and plans, the '80's-90's Landcruisers and Lexus's may also be worth looking at.
