If your friend did superb work on the car, you can schedule an inspection with the state. If the car passes this safety inspection, your friend can retitle it as a rebuilt vehicle.
Lenders are far more willing to give you a car loan on a rebuilt title than a salvage title. But don’t be shocked if the interest rate is a bit higher than new cars or even other used cars. Alternatively, you could take out a personal loan, or signature loan, to purchase the car. This will have an even higher interest rate, but since it’s only for $2,000, you can pay it off early.