You can go on ebay and get a new rack for $125, a transmission solenoid for $16 and 4 new rotors with pads front and rear for $150. Sounds like you have a warped rotor. As for the thumping on take off check motor mounts. You can do all this yourself. I spent 31 years as a petroleum structural engineer ( designing and building platforms and refineries ) but I have practically rebuilt my 2000 SE with the help of the people on this website. I wasn't a auto mechanic but I've become pretty good at it.
