[WarOnPrivacy]

> even after 3 years of minimal use, the vendors provide 5 years of additional warranty to you.

The Amazon refurb drives (in this class) typically come with 40k-43k hours of data center use. Generally they're well used for 4½-5yrs. Price is ~30% of new.

I think refurb DC drives have their place (replaceable data). I've bought them - but I followed other buyers' steps to maximize my odds.

I chose my model (of HGST) carefully, put it thru an intensive 24h test and check smart stats afterward.

As far as the 5yr warranty goes, it's from the seller and they don't all stick around for 5 years. But they are around for a while -> heavy test that drive after purchase.