you haven't, at least by your list of repairs, found a "money pit" by any sense of the term.
Everything you listed can be expected for a 10 YEAR OLD car. (with the exception of a tire, as that would come MUCH more often..)
You kind of have to expect that to happen when you get a used car, much less an older used one.
The groaning is most likely the low level (that will cause it every time).
top off, turn the wheel lock to lock a couple of times, and adjust your level if needed.
Ray
