Welcome from a fellow Kent dweller (near Sittingbourne). I feel your pain.
Re your issues - brake pad light wire could be frayed & shorting on the hub, causing the light to come on. Whip off the front wheels, and take a good look at the pads & the cables - you can disconnect them if you're capable of checking your own pad depths
With the gearbox, I'd suggest changing the gearbox oil - I've just had mine done and it's made a huge difference to the gearchanges. Mine cos £750 though (but I did get a free clutch & driveshaft included)
Paddy
Just Sold: 2001 156 2.4 JTD (140) Sportwagon Veloce
Replaced by: 2004 (54) Saab 9-5 2.2TiD Linear Sport
Also own: 2007 (07) Vauxhall Astra Twintop 1.6
