I think the best advice here would be to stay far, far away from that deal. If it's only $1000 I'm sure he can find a similar deal on Craigslist or the equivalent.
My policy is that I'm not going to beg someone to buy their stuff. Odds are there is someone selling the same car who would be more than happy to talk to you about it.
thanks for the advice guys. yeah i was just checking out the interior, real nice shape but oh well. and you're exactly right, a $1000 car isn't really worth that much trouble with that many questions surrounding it