Bad track rod bushings will eat tires almost instantly. Not safe, either, as they will make the car wander excessively under braking. Will also make car pull, vibrate, and etc.

The entire suspension has to be right for an alignment to work-- the shop should have told you they couldn't get it right because a loose track rod bushing will make it impossible to consistantly set toe -- the tire moves back and forth and changes angle.

Your decision -- the car will be worth a whole lot more with normal wear on the tires and no vibration.....

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!