Good news, the 97 Civic you want is good, it had 81k miles as of late November, the carfax says that there are no accidents, average yearly usage was 10,669 miles per year. The car had 3 owners in PA. NJ, and back in PA. (personal observation: 7 winters in the NE could mean rust, check that out). Sight unseen, it appears to be a good buy..good luck.