Purchasing a 2004 CRV and having some scaries about the “Black Death” (compressor fails and takes out the whole AC system with it)

(https://www.bkhondaparts.com/honda-crv-black-death)

Car has 64k original miles and is well maintained. I have read a lot of blogs online stating it’s wise to replace the compressor proactively with such a high rate of failure on the originals.

Rationale being you can just replace the compressor now, but if it fails you’ll need to replace the entire AC system which costs substantially more obviously.

Any thoughts? Any 2nd Gen owners care to share their stories?

 

You are purchasing a used Honda CRV 2004. Most CRV owners at the time learned about the "Black Death" of the ac.
What it means it the drier's filter is black from the particles of the compressor failing.
And, probably, the AC unit was either taken care of or they previous owner never uses the AC.
If you can ask about the AC from the previous owner then that can save you money.
If it was not replaced before then it is probably too late since the vehicle is 19 years old.
So, advice is no. Do not replace the compressor.

 

I test drove the vehicle. AC blows cold, no issues. Owner is not aware of any AC issues and has replaced nothing. It’s an elderly woman.

 

If it's working fine and no visible signs of leaking I would not mess with it.