1. how do I check if i need new discs?
2. what's the best disc / pad combo (I realise this will be contentious, I'll do some searching on this)
3. is changing this stuff something I could do myself? Is it any different to any other car?
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1, you need to measure them mate and see if they're shot or not, if they're badly worn (uneven) you might want to swap em so you dont wear down the pads badly.
2, you need to decide how much tracking you'll be doing. for fast road use brembo discs or similar with EBC's will be good enough for a few fast shots (would not rate them for to much track use though, they're pretty abbresive on the discs too) I run a different setup now but can't comment until I get it out on track. The front pads are VERY good though (road use)
3, yeah if you're handy with tools there is no issues doing that yourelf.
Also if you go for sporty pads you might want to conisder squeeling and dust... you can't have it all