Be extremely cautious with this one. In fact, if you do decide to go ahead with it, insist that the transaction be done at DMV, and the seller gets none of your money until the kind folk at DMV tell you that you can register and title it in your name. All that of course "after" you are satisfied with its condition.
I'm not saying don't do it, but this is starting to sound like a Royal Pain in the Derriere.