A lot depends on the other colors in the room (floor, cabinets, backsplash if you will be keeping it) but Taj Mahal Quartzite is light in color and reportedly bulletproof. It may be an upcharge from the New Caledonia, though. What else is in that price group at your supplier?

New Caledonia granite is a low-absorption granite, i.e. it is quite dense. I actually had it in my kitchen a couple of kitchens ago. There are a number of granites that should not be sealed. New Caledonia is one of the granites that should not need sealing. Sealing such a dense granite could cause hazing and streaks from the sealant not absorbing. So something else is going on with your granite. Can you post pics of the discoloration you mentioned?

Having said that, if you know that your neighbor's granite is good, and you have the option to replace, ask them the name, and get that one.

Haze and water stains after sealer