May have been planning to pull drivetrain but changed mind.
You are in ohio, he is in Kansas - Why not just call US AIR and get a cheap flight to KS and take Saturday to look it over?
Cheap insurance and no surprises.
If you like it buy it and take it home, and BTW, check to see about a one-way Uhaul truck and trailer rental. You could check out car, put a deposit down, get the trailer and truck. Go back pay balance and be on the road.
No surprises and no regrets and you reduced your risk factor significantly.
Scorp