16 dollars for a brake cable? Next time, stop by the LBS and pick up a single cable for a few bucks. Sounds like it doesn't have to be anything special, as the Huffy is only holding you over until you get the bike you are saving for. If I were on a tight budget till the new bike, I wouldn't even go for a new cassette unless the Huffy is your only bike for now. As Pokey said, try the local Wal-Mart next time something snaps. They have a good selection of cheapo-but-it-works-kinda stuff there that will hold over the Huffey until the bike you want comes in. Good Luck!

-Moab