2000 USD is crazy, it really is.
There are people willing to do it for free. Like me, i'm working on my CMS system, and i will not charge anything, to anyone.
If you're not bothered to pay a simple charge of $10,00 you should try to get PHP-Nuke www.php-nuke.org .
Was that ten dollars? Watch those periods/commas:).
I can understand doing it for free for a portfolio piece, or customer referrals for the future, but I don't see why you would otherwise... or promote that for the matter. There are many people here that try to make a living off of web design/coding, and though I agree that you shouldn't spike up prices -- going around offering free services is not always beneficial. For the client, the creator, and you.
Sure, go ahead and use a free service, and let MPCODER do it for free. How long will you be there for your client after you set him up? How quick will you do it? Can you provide links of other CMS systems you've done? Offer professional references? What if the system fails, or doesn't work properly, how does the client hold you liable for this? Will you both set up a contract and service agreement for free?
This isn't my area of expertise, so believe me, I'm not saying this because I want the job. But I want you to think what you're getting -- it's true, you get what you pay for. Some things are ok for free -- we offer free help, free graphics sometimes, and free code sometimes -- but always with the intention to learn and to have the user learn those skills, or to enhance ours.
But if you want to do it for free, that's great! I have a few other clients that would be interested -- contracts, liability terms, schedules and all:) You could even start a free company, and let the other skilled designers that are charging to improve their financial and career status out of business!