Look down in the coolant reservoir and see if you can see any brown/black droplets. If you can it already needs a headgasket. I seem to recall that by '97 the engine wiring harness issues had already been worked out. If the car is in good shape and the price is right I would not let the headgasket issues keep me from purchasing it. Read the StarMark paperwork in detail and make sure the headgasket is covered.

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Jim