Sounds like it's time to learn all about rebuilding trannies and brakes.
A rebuild kit and all the neccessary brake hardware would probably come in at less than $800 (that's a wild guess, since I don't know exactly what you need).. the knowledge gained in doing it yourself would be an investment.
You may also want to consider finding a junked LX w/ a 5 speed and doing a conversion. (manual trannies usually last longer than autos).
This all depends, of course, on how mechanically inclined you are. Some people get off on fixing stuff.. some don't.
A rebuild kit and all the neccessary brake hardware would probably come in at less than $800 (that's a wild guess, since I don't know exactly what you need).. the knowledge gained in doing it yourself would be an investment.
You may also want to consider finding a junked LX w/ a 5 speed and doing a conversion. (manual trannies usually last longer than autos).
This all depends, of course, on how mechanically inclined you are. Some people get off on fixing stuff.. some don't.