2008 dodge charger steering rack fix?

So 2 months a go a bought a 2008
dodge charger SE for $11,600, little
under 60,000 miles on it.(warranty
expired) which I'm currently paying a
loan on. the car drives great besides
the steering. It doesn't return fully to
center and is sort of stiff at times
noticeabley.  Ive done researched,
brought it in to a couple shops, and
figured it needs a new steering rack
& pinion, right outer tie rod and upper
ball joint. These parts alone aren't
expensive if i buy them myself but
the mechanics are probably getting
the most expensive ones parts
because they gave me an estimate
1,500 to fix it all. with a warranty. any
who my few questions are.

1. What happens if I continue driving
in my current condition?

2. Is the mechanic price a rip off?

3.  Am i better off buying the parts
and having my mechanic friend do
it?

also any comments or advise is
welcome :) thank you