With scanners you can really buy any of them that read codes and if you have a smart phone that runs on android I believe, you can get an app called toque pro and would just need a blu tooth adapter and you can then read codes and see different diagnostics for your car. On the issues with it running, Has it ever had the MAF sensor changed or even just had the throttle body cleaned? It could just be having issues with that from being dirty, if it is your MAF you can try unplugging it and run the car to see if it will run that way but don't go driving around with it unplugged. There are a lot of others here on the forum that can give you a better idea on what could be going on so maybe wait and see what some of the others think.
