I'll chime in here, having purchased my '05 Sequoia Limited last February for $8500. It had 232K miles on the original drivetrain. It was a clean, one-owner vehicle that had all service records. No rust anywhere, since it's a California vehicle.
In the past 18 months, I have put over 26K on it, with the only unplanned maintenance issue being the secondary air injection pump system. I ended up bypassing the SAIP (which saved me thousands in labor).
Soon after I bought the Sequoia, I put a 2.5" Toytec lift on it, 285-70-17 BFG ATs, rock sliders from stubbswelding, added a Bajarack roof basket, and installed some aux LED lights. I enjoy the spaciousness of the cabin and the engine power.
Prior to buying the Sequoia, I had been using my '97 Nissan Pathfinder for hauling home-improvement materials, camping, 4-wheeling, and towing. But my wife and I eventually realized that we needed a larger vehicle with more seating capacity, and I really only seriously considered the 1-gen Sequoia, the Land Cruiser (100 series), and the Nissan Armada. I checked out the GX470 and 4runner, but their 3rd row seats and cargo capacity are too small.
I briefly looked at a Suburban, but it has a big front air dam and poor approach and departure angles for off-roading. In the end, the Sequoia won me over for its reliability, decent 3rd row leg room, and deep cargo area even when the 3rd row is in use. My wife and I recently used the Sequoia to transport my in-laws from/to the airport (2 adults, 2 kids in car seats), and I was able to comfortably fit all 4 of them plus 5 large suitcases and a stroller.
My '05 Sequoia [Limited model] has quite a few nice features that I really appreciate, such as automatic headlights (not just DRL's), folding mirrors, auto-dimming instrument panel, "smart" 12v power sockets, heated front seats, rear climate control, one-touch up/down front windows, one-touch open/close moonroof. My Sequoia also included the package that has 2-position memory seats and adjustable rear air suspension.
I think that if you actually go looking around and sit and/or test-drive the vehicles you're considering, you will know quickly which one will suit you. And then, keep up on autotrader and craigslist and wait for the right one.