[Brian R.]

IMO, the real cost here is the air conditioning and the PS leak, although I am not in a position to give you an estimate on the cost. The A/C may be something as simple as a bad piece of wire. The power steering issue also needs to be diagnosed. It may just need a hose clamp or fitting tightened. The rear lights are probably just a short in the wire look by the trunk hinge. Fixing whatever is found there with some insulating tape/soldering is probably all that's necessary.

Find out what codes occur when you delete the codes and she drives it for a week. Old codes may just complicate things.

All in all, there are too many unknowns here with potential really trivial costs or really large costs. These have to be looked at by a competent mechanic. I would take it to someone who knows Toyotas. The guy she took it to previously didn't have a clue. Parts on that car, for the most part, are really easy to get since there are so many still on the road. The cost may be close to what he quoted or not, but you can't know since he is really not interested.

These Camrys can last for a really long time if you have taken care of the engine. Regular oil changes preclude sludge formation. Your aunt is potentially going to save a lot of money by fixing this car, IF the problems are not the highest costing potential repairs. Replacing a rack or a A/C compressor may be done with used ones from a salvage yard and should be easy to find. The struts are not a high-buck item. The valve cover gasket is not either.

Don't forget, buying a used car can entail unforseen costs. Keep what you know as problems unless you find it's impossible.

Check the CV boots for tears/leaking grease and the tranmsission fluid color. Replace the transmission fluid if it needs it. You are taking a chance if it is really bad and nasty smelling.

Get the A/C diagnosed and fixed first after you get a good estimate on the PS leak, taking into account using salvage parts. I think nothing else could screw the pooch.