I don't know that particular model of car, but I think that you can often do well buying a fixer-upper that needs suspension work. Two reasons why: (1) suspension work is easy and (2) it makes an immediate and substantial improvement in the way the car drives. New ball joints, struts, bushings, etc., take years off a car's age.

The only caveat is to be extra careful when messing with the springs. Those things are DANGEROUS. Use proper tools, ask a lot of questions, and go slow.