I have the same age gap with my two boys.
I have a Phil and Teds Vibe. Now, before you fall off you chair, yes they can be expensive, but we bought ours online cheaper than a P&T Dash retails for. It is the less popular 'graffitti' colour, that's why. (It just made your budget). We have no accessoried though - yes, they are pricey.
The brake is a tiny red button on the handle which can be turned on so quickly and easily. Also, it actually folds with the two seats still attached, which means that you don't have as much trouble folding it up etc.