If that joint runs dry you risk having to replace your steering rack, which is way more expensive that just the boot. Sealant kits, tape, etc never hold, I'd recommend just replacing the boot.
Wood trim, peel them off and leave it or get a similar kit on Ebay. Console, see if one of the several leather upholstery suppliers here sells just that.
Just pads are pretty easy on these, if you're even a little mechanically inclined Toyota made accessing the pads very easy. That said, front pads parts cost is probably $80, maybe 1-2 hours of labor billed, so maybe $3-400. Rotors is another story. That's hub off and prefect time for a...
Been hauling 3 kids for years in a 60, then 80, then 100. I will say, once they get into teen years, the love of the 3rd row dies fast with very little leg room. As for which model, buy the newest LC you can afford.
Then either/both your bolt and captive nut are stripped. You can try chasing the threads with a tap and die or just try a new bolt, easy to match at a hardware store.