I thought mine was normal because it's an SMG car but after reading this post, I am not so sure any more. I think I have the same symptoms. I bled the system thinking that there may be air in the lines but didn't help. I will check out the vacuum pipe tonight and check the valve and the lines to make sure. I think if all is well there then there's only one more culprit which would be the brake booster. Anyway, I would be interested to find out what you find with yours first.

 

So, just a follow up. It seems that my master cylinder is faulty. I checked around the hose and there is no leak. Since I get boost from the vacuum, it's got to be the push rod in the cylinder. It seems that there are two chambers in the cylinder and inside, there are spring-loaded pins that push brake fluid out to the lines. If any one of the chamber fails, you get reduced braking power/grab. When you slam on the brake, it feels like a brake fade but the pedal hits bottom with little resistance.

 

that's not what I was feeling, I could not get to the bottom of the brake pedal travel, the pedal turned to solid rock about 1/2 way down.

 

Yep, I believe that behavior is consistent with loss of vacuum in the booster can. Good luck with the CPO repair and report back to the thread with your findings.
I myself have found a great deal on a brand new master cylinder and have placed and order (No, it's not from the stealer!) I will be doing the replacement DIY and a brake system bleed at the same time.
I will update my thread once it's completed. I figure I would be spending the better part of Sunday doing the repairs.

 

brake booster fixed it. It's nice to have a normal brake pedal again!

 

That's great to know. I am looking forward to getting the work done on mine soon. Now that I know I have partial brake pressure, I am wary of going anywhere in my car. Luckily, I have the option to take a commuter train to and from work.