Car doesn't stop till brakes are all the way to the floor.

Hi,
   I just bought a 99 corolla from a local gas station. My stepfather insists that there is something wrong with the breaks, like they need to be bled or a new master cylinder. The guy that fixes the car at the gas station that i bought it from says they are fine.
    Now as someone that knows little about cars this is my observation. When the brakes are pressed it feels like you have to press them way low to get the car to stop. It doesn't seem to be losing pressure, it just seems like to stop the car you have to push really hard. (basically you have to slam on them) Is this a common theme of toyota's or is there something wrong with these breaks?
    Is this just a typical man fight? Neither will admit fault lol. I tend to agree with my stepfather, that the breaks could definantley be better (maybe the pedal could be adjusted or something...i dont know?)
   What do you think could be the cause of this problem....is it an easy fix? Like how much money are we talking?
    Thank you!