The OP is looking something more affordable. Coilovers, I agree are worth the money, are usually more expensive, unless you can find a great deal on some used ones.
I just sold my used Teins for my civic for $850, you can get a much better deal on used springs/shocks.
why not just buy some springs for now, and when your shocks are blown upgrade them. even if you just get springs and want to upgrade to coilovers down the road, you could always sell the springs.