I believe you also mentioned that your brother was familiar with cars? When you get the manual, read a section over a few times to where you think you have a decent understanding. Say the front suspension... Look over the diagrams, learn how a shock works, why is there a spring, whats a MacPherson strut/wishbone suspension, and then ask your brother for some help. Go outside, jack the car up and take the front wheel off. Then have him point out parts and pieces while you discuss what you learned in the manual and online. That will give you some hands on experience without tearing into something you cant put back together.
Im sure if you show a genuine interest and your brother really is into cars (and just isnt pretending), then he would be more than willing to help you learn. It may take for you to do his share of the lawn cutting one day, or you might have to buy him lunch, help him change his oil whatever... but he should help.
Next thing you know, youll be on your way to working on the car yourself.