Bear, youre getting taken at those prices. Suspension (shocks/struts at least) should be under $500, brakes (pads/shoes/disks/rotors) should be less than $300, battery under $100, this is for parts. Offer a little cash/trades even beer and im sure you could get some help pretty quick (I'm up for helping and i work cheap these days- like beers ) .
I hope that helps a little. The least expensive car is usually the one you already own.