I don't know where you are at, but at my local pick and pay, you can buy another alternator for about $20. I think that any alternator will fit, Make sure though you buy one with an internal regualtor, that little black part that is bolted onto the back, some old, read OLD, alternators have wires coming out there instead.

If you don't feel comfortable taking the part off, sure it's best to take it to the shop, but at the pick and pull, you can give it a shot without the fear of damaging your own car. It can be a rewarding experience.

As I recall, all you need is a 12mm wrench, 12mm deep socket wrench, and an 8mm wrench to remove the alternator. It may be necessary though to remove the fan pully, a 5 min job with a wrench and channellocks.

Mine had a loud screeching noise, I put some soap on the belts, and that quieted her down while I was in the Colorado mountains. It would be wise to remove the belts anyway to verify that the noise is not the waterpump.