[ossiblue]

Yeah, lot of weirdness in that. Here's my take:

Because the car is so clean, because he wouldn't let anyone drive it because of problems in the past, I'd suspect that it may have been wrecked by one of his "friends", repaired, and now up for sale. Carfax doesn't always have complete information about this. The guy appears to have little money as he wants up front cash for smog check, and has a loan on the car, and is scrimping on the insurance. Definitely, his plan for purchase (write a check to him, he pays off the loan, etc.) is a joke but may not be a scam.

Too many flags for me, but you may still be interested. If so, follow your instincts. The price better be very good because it doesn't sound like he's up to spending any money to help the sale. Given what you know, the car needs a through exam by an expert to see if there has been any significant damage or repair, along with a mechanical PPI. You need to see the registration documents to identify the lien holder and, of course, any payments should be done at the bank of the lien holder with him there, as mentioned before. If you do the above, it should be obvious you are serious and he should then have the car smogged and bring the completed paperwork to the bank on the day of payment/transfer.

Frankly, I think it's too much of a hassle, but it's your call. BTW, I think the blacked out area in the photo may be his way of blotting out the time stamp on the pic.

EDIT: You added the part about his driving while I was typing. Just makes me suggest that you absolutely have the car checked for damage.