Honda builds the most reliable and well built motors in the world. With a failure rate of 1 in 344. Safe to say they figured out how to build proper working motors. However, they ignored perfecting their automatic transmissions. If it still shifts decent and everything else is in good condition, I’d still only offer $1000-1500 for it. Just keep in mind that the transmission will most likely be the first thing to go out on that car. 

1997 was the last year of that generation, so it didn't have anywhere near the amount of automatic transmission failures as the next generation, so if it shifts fine and a mechanic says its in good shape, it could be a decent car. 

I totally lusted after the fifth generation Accord when I was below driving age. 

I have a sixth generation Accord with 270K miles. Both the fifth and sixth  generation Accord engine come from the same family of engine. The Honda F-series. 

If taken care of, these are resilient engines that can lost a long time. 

I recommend checking the timing belt, as it is a maintenance item. And it is an interference engine, so if the timing belt snaps, it is bye bye engine. See if it has been changed ever and ideally recently. and if it hasn’t, factor that in to your cost of maintenance and cost in buying the car. 

(search this form for Honda Timing Belt for details.)

With its age, it might start leaking oil. It’s not the end of the world if it is leaking, you just have to make sure you have enough oil in your car. 

Any car will leak with age.  And one of the common spots is the VTEC solenoid gasket and other gaskets. It somehow runs on motor oil.  

good luck. Let us know how it goes!!!

Those are good cars, especially with a manual transmission. Realize it is 24 years old and has a lot of miles, so some wear items are likely going to need replacement. $2300 is way too expensive for that car - it’s worth maybe $1500, max. I personally would not pay more than $1000 because of the age and miles. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver, I suggest you get something newer with less miles. That Accord would be best as an around-town beater car to get from point A to B.

I have had my 1997 Honda Accord since 2001 just after high school graduation. I can say the engine is solid, many of the engine components are original which is incredible. At 180,000 miles a thermostat faulted and blew the engine. So I replaced the engine for $1100 and 7 years later it’s still smooth and good looking. My biggest problem is so many people trying to steal it, if you do buy it make sure you get a good loud alarm, and at least a steering wheel club. I have LoJack and 2 steering wheel clubs. This particular vehicle is the most stolen vehicle in the sad history of stolen vehicles. 

Honda's are great solid built reliable cars. Considering the mileage you should have a mechanic inspect it before you buy as you would any other used car just to make sure that there are no pre existing problems.

I would beware the auto transmission, especially at that mileage. I had a 92 Accord manual transmission and my wife still has a 97 Civic auto transmission. Her transmission went out at 130,000 miles. The transmission guy, "Bob the rebuilder", claimed they tended to go bad around 130k-140k miles. He told me about the Honda hybrid transmissions and there was no pan or filter to service. I don't like it. Give me a pan and filter and 3.14159% less performance but more reliability any day. Unfortunately, the rebuild didn't last as long as it should have and the whole experience sort of soured me on Honda. 

I now have a 97 Camry (owned over 17 years) that I'm selling that runs almost like new and a 2013 Camry that I recently got. And I'm very happy about the timing chain. 🙂 Although, I think because of the chain, the 97 is actually quieter and smoother than the 2013.

It’s been my experience with Hondas alot of people ask more than their worth. Especially the Fast and Delirious wanna be peeps. I see ads like 1999 Civic with VTEC engine 3000 , or 1997 Accord coupe shell 2000. And when you talk to them it doesn’t get any better. “But dude it’s a VTEC, that’s a H22 motor right there. Sure it’s Blown but it’s a H22.” 🤣 I’m eyeballing a 2003 civic for 1500 for my wife and its clean with cold AC. 

General rule, If you buy it and it gets totaled on the way home what will the insurance company pay? Usually about 80% of KBB private party average. That’s what I would offer. Just looked it up average private book on it is 1500, dealer book is 1900.