Brake Pads & Rotor alternatives without going broke - 2002 Octavia 1.8T

Hey Guys,

My 2002 1.8T Octavia has only 60,000kms. Just recently I fill that the brake pedal travel has increase.

Car brakes normal and I inclusive brake hard and the ABS is working OK. The brake pedal does not feel sponginess and there is no oil leak from the calipers.

I was checking my rear brake pads thru the spaces holes on the wheels and I can see the thickness is very small...... So its look like I will need new brake pads.............This brake pads are the factory ones that comes with the car when I bought it. I dont travel fast, just use the car to go to my office and there is always rush trafic

1) Do this small thickness can cause the pedal travel to increase? Or I have another damage?

2) Front brake pads look more thicker

3) Do I need to change the Brake rotors if I change brake pads? How many miles/kms do brake rotors last?

4) I know that good brakes are a important thing but what Brake Pads & Rotor alternatives I can go without going broke. . My car is stock with factory 16 inch wheels and 205/55/16 tires.

5) I was checking several Brake Pads & Rotors and there are brands like BCT rotors and green stuff brake pads, brembo, akebono Meyle, PAGID and there are other cheaper parts.

So whats your experience and advice

THX,

Isaac