Lets just start with the check-engine light. Go into the FAQ's at the top of the page and pull the codes from the computer and see what the computer is telling you, since it runs rough and has the light on sometimes. The brake light on the dash is telling you one of the bulbs are blown. Look carefully at the third brake light if the others are OK. There are many ways to upgrade the brakes, but getting some fresh good quality fluid in them would be a start. Bleeding is also in the FAQ's I believe. These are all things you can do yourself.
