The only problem I've seen with the 2RZ and 3RZ motors is the balance shaft bearings can wear out and make noise, and that's not very common. It could be a wrist pin or rod bearing. Not a lifter, because those motors don't have lifters or rocker arms. Hard to say without hearing it in person. Either way it's not gonna be good if it's bottom end noise.
Those motors are usually good to 300K+ easy without any problems "if" they are halfway maintained. they don't have the timing chain problems like the 22R's.
As for the infamous toyota oil filter check valve myth. I challenge anyone with a 22R and a toyota brand oil filter to let it sit for two or three days without cranking it, then go out and unscrew the oil filter and tell me how much oil is in it.
