buying a car

Hand him a cashiers check. Problem solved. Unless of course he doesn't understand how that works. If not tell him to talk to his bank about it, they should be able to set him straight.

Go there with the cashiers check from your financial institution and go with him to his bank, his bank can check with yours.

At that point you can make sure the lien is paid, and the title is signed off stating so.

If he isn't willing to do this, run.