When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Do the usual things, a Carfax, have it look over by a good shop who deals in Corvettes. If it's a 6 speed there in the column lock issue, do a search here and you can learn tons of info about all the things about buying any year corvette by treat it like any other car you'd buy.
You want to be cautious and by following some simple steps you'll learn a lot and be more secure in buying this 97. Just tell the owner you'd like to have it checked out by you mechanic, if he wants to sell and you've agreed on a price there should be no problem. Good luck and welcome !
We were all beginners once, some are just older than others. The first year after a model change on any car can be risky and Corvettes are no exception. If at all possible I would try to find a '98 or later that fit in my price range. The later the year the better but the C5's are the best Corvette ever made, IMHO. You may have located a good '97 and I'm sure there are folks here that own one.
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Good luck with your search and purchase. I have a bunch of Word files, including a Corvette Buyers Checklist, that may help you out. If you'd like a copy of the files, just PM me your e-mail address.