US customs import on B8.5 S4 carfax but no export, should I worry?

[6shift]

Hey all,

I'm in the market for a B8.5 S4 and came across one that I was interested in so I naturally looked at the Carfax for it. (I'll post a link to it below). I noticed in 2016 it lists "US Customs" vehicle exported from Germany. Also there are no records between the 5k service in 2013 and the export in 2016 which leads me to believe the car was exported shortly after the 5k service. However, why doesn't this show on the Carfax? How can a car be sold and titled in the US but then imported to the US 3 year later without having been exported?

Do you see this as a red flag and I should run away? or not a big deal?

I guess my only real concern is that the lack of any entries between 5k miles and 24.5k miles over the span of 3.5 years could point towards some sort of title wash/ accident damage coverup.



(https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...mgafl3da187820)

[B5Dreaming]

I know the car you’re referring to. I’ve found that the B8.5 S4 6MT sell very quickly. This car is still available and at a steep discount to anything else on the market. Call the dealer and ask if they know the history but it’s a red flag to me.

[2by2handsofblue]

It could of been involved in a accident etc. Flood?

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[2by2handsofblue]

Or maybe it was a military dude that bought it over there and had it exported back. Not sure if that's possible since we cant export cars from other countries. Unless its 25yrs old which is bs

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[6shift]

I know the car you’re referring to. I’ve found that the B8.5 S4 6MT sell very quickly. This car is still available and at a steep discount to anything else on the market. Call the dealer and ask if they know the history but it’s a red flag to me.

Yup, that's the one. The steep discount is another red flag to me as it seems like they're throwing money away.

I am in contact with them about the car. I asked about the car history, specifically about the export thing, and they said they "don't know anything beyond what's on the carfax." They also provided me a dealer inspection report and say the car has a "shock absorber leak."

Also, if it was a military dude, wouldn't there be an entry when the car was exported from US/imported to Germany?

[2by2handsofblue]

Yup, that's the one. The steep discount is another red flag to me as it seems like they're throwing money away.

I am in contact with them about the car. I asked about the car history, specifically about the export thing, and they said they "don't know anything beyond what's on the carfax." They also provided me a dealer inspection report and say the car has a "shock absorber leak."

Also, if it was a military dude, wouldn't there be an entry when the car was exported from US/imported to Germany?

Unless theh will give you a 2 yr warranty and have inspected by third party, I wouldnt take the chance.
This dealer must know more than they are saying

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[Dirtyylicous]

This probably won't help but it's worth a shot.

This website has the guys name, you can try searching him on Google and maybe get a contact number and ask him. Sounds kind of weird and creepy but worth a shot. It also mentions his brother also shipped a Jetta from Germany

[jygesq]

When in doubt, run away, there are lot’s of S4 around with better history.

[B5Dreaming]

Someone picked it up. Was it you?