The REAL problem is that: According to the lady at the DMV, the loan will automaticallly transferred to my name! SO, if the guy want to screw you up, he can (by NOT paying the lien in full with your money)!
This isnt true. County Auto bureau is wrong. the lien does not transfer to you. It does however stay on the title. The lien is dependant on who ever sign the loan papers. Actually if you want to go farther the bank loans the loan holder money and actually does not have a right to the car if it changes hands. I do this for work and can tell you if you bought a vehicle in good faith its yours. Ive been in front of Judges many times getting title awarded to the next owner and the lien cleared
p.s. and please everyone stop calling the erie county auto bureau the DMV. Its not the state dept of motor vehicles They are county offices and rarely have the correct answer to DMV questions. If you have DMV questions go to www.NYSDMV.com or if i can help with a question i’m happy to