No don't look on tarty for a Da Bomb, go on eBay mate, or just a general google search to find some for sale.
And yes brake pads if what I meant.
I have a very expensive Hope disc on the front of my bike, and a normal standard Vee on the back (with upgraded pads) and really, you can't tell the difference to be fair.
Even in the wet the pads grip as good as any disc ever will, hence why I am going out of my way to find a Vee adaptor for my new frame to fit the Vee back on instead of doing the other option and finding a magura.
Thats just my personal experience, and ultimately will work out cheaper for you.
And yes, I personally would never buy a brand new bike.
Be afraid to scratch or dent it.