Sorry to hear GF, but things will get better.

Anyway on your pads, I have the same problem, all gas an no brake.....LOL.....However I have found it actually is most likely the brake pads themselves. Go get a set of Duralast Gold series brake pads from Auto Zone and install, or have a shop install and you will kiss the brake dust away for the most part, and have stopping power for a long time. That is all I buy and all I recommend and I have not heard one bad response.

As for the rest, yea they like to take you all the way to the bank. You did the right thing and stood by your guns. We can get that thing running strong, no need for un-nessassary fixes that cost cash if you can fix it.