Hi there, I am considering buying a used Toyota Corolla 1999 with 60,000 miles on it. The current owners said the car has a broken rack and pinion and leaks steering fluid. They said I have two options: replace the rack, or do what they do: refill the steering fluid with about 12 oz fluid ea…

Why do you want to buy a car with known problems? The fact that the owners are unwilling to deal with the steering rack leak tells me they are also probably unwilling to deal with other maintenance/repair issues, meaning the car most likely suffers from a lack of routine maintenance. This is commo…

If the steering rack is replaced, end of problem - well that problem. Have a pre-sale inspection done on the car by a mechanic and find out what all repairs might cost. The rack and pinion is a pricey part so just for that repair you are looking at $500 to 1,000. Adding fluid every month will kee…

I would suggest calling a mechanic and state the issue and ask for estimate. This type of repair cab approach $1000 dependent on your locale. Hopefully car has a good price. DO NOT OVERPAY because it has 60k miles that is irrelevant on a 12 year old car. I know a three Corolla owners who make it …

As others have said, get a price on how much he rack and pinion would cost to replace and then use this as a part of the deal. I once bought a Corvair that both the dealer and I thought needed a valve job. I bought the car at a very low price figuring that I could live with the problem until I had…

You must not be a married man! All women come with problems–a man just has to decide which problems are manageable when he gets married. The same is true in buying a used car–they all have problems. You just have to decide which ones you can handle.

I’m Always Skeptical When I Look At A Car That’s For Sale And The Owner Mentions Something That Has Been Neglected To Explain A Puddle Under The Vehicle. What else has been neglected ? . . . That’s my first instinct. Get a car with no major flaws, even it requires saving longer or creative financi…

“or do what they do: refill the steering fluid with about 12 oz fluid each month.” I doubt that it’ll stay that way, leaks get worse. I know, my Toyota product (ES300) started leaking PS fluid, slowly at first, but more every week. Ended up having to replace the high pressure hose, not cheap (it’…

No, you should not buy it. The seal is on the verge of blowing out completely, and you’re then facing a very expensive repair on an old beater of a vehicle. And who knows what else is wrong with it. Keep looking. Never buy a used car with even one known serious problem.

“Never buy a used car with even one known serious problem.” Unless . . . . . . Your local fairgrounds has a “demolition derby” or an “Australian pursuit” coming up that you’d like to enter. Even then, make sure it’s suitable and don’t overpay for it. :wink: CSA

Should I buy a used car that needs a new rack and pinion?

Maintenance/Repairs

TXdealer March 18, 2011, 12:25pm 5

If the car is nice otherwise, It might still be a good purchase. There are not very many 12 year old cars without some problems. I would get it checked out by a shop who can also give you and estimate and check out the rest of the car.

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Should I buy a used car that needs a new rack and pinion?

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