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

“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’s buried). So only buy this if you have an independent mechanic thoroughly examine the car, diagnose the problem(s), and give you a good estimate of the costs to fix. Then make sure you’re paying a heavily discounted price to leave you the money you’ll need, because you WILL have to fix it

I’d sure be looking around for other cars without obvious problems.