I want to buy 4 pieces of 6TB or 8TB HDDs, and preferably a quieter one like an Exos X14/7E8 variant. The US ebay prices seem really enticing to order, even with the shipping costs, but I’m really doubtful that the final checkout price contains the VAT costs as well.
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/296751917547)
Do you perhaps know some cheap european reseller alternative or deny my belief on Ebay not showing a VAT inclusive price at the checkout?
If it’s coming from eBay, or doesn’t have a warranty, don’t trust it. If those that you mention have a warranty, then you’re hopefully covered in those terms.
I have the other perspective where I think that highly rated resellers have an incentive to share SMART results and ship good product. Perhaps its eBay centric, it has been my experience for used and refurbished electronics. If it’s any consolation, your perspective is likely what keeps the cost low for these sellers.