If you are able to figure out EXACTLY what you need for front fork replacement, ie: steerer tube dia., steerer tube length, overall length, threaded, non-threaded, etc., I have seen some older model suspension forks go for fairly cheap on ebay. Most everyone wants the "latest and greatest". But you do need to know the critical dimensions. Close enough just doesn't work.
And yes, there definitely is a point where it makes more sense to look for a different bicycle.