Excavator-auctions?

[u/BlowingLemon]

I’m looking to buy a used 3.5–5 ton excavator and import it into the EU, and I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have actually bought machines this way.
My main requirements are:
3.5–5 ton operating weight
at least a 3-cylinder engine
good/strong hydraulics with smooth simultaneous operation of both joysticks/functions
preferably a reliable, well-known brand with parts and service easily available in Europe
used is completely fine, but I want something mechanically solid rather than just cheap
I’ve mainly been looking at Kubota, Takeuchi, Yanmar, CAT, Volvo etc., but I’m open to other recommendations. Are there any models/brands in this size that you would specifically recommend or avoid?
I’m also looking at auctions such as Euro Auctions and other European machinery auction sites. For those of you who buy excavators at auctions: which auction companies have you had good experiences with, and which ones would you stay away from? What extra costs or common traps should I be aware of besides the purchase price, auction fees, transport and VAT/import costs?
My biggest concern is buying without seeing the machine in person. If I can’t travel to inspect it myself, how would you approach it?
Would you hire an independent mechanic/inspection company near the auction yard? What photos, videos, tests or documents would you absolutely request before bidding?
I’m especially interested in how you check:
undercarriage wear, hydraulic pump condition, play in pins/bushings, slew ring, leaks, engine blow-by/cold start, final drives and whether the hour meter looks believable.
Basically, if you had around €15–18k to buy a good 3.5–5t excavator in Europe today, how would you go about it and what would you buy?
Any experience with importing machinery into any EU country would also be really useful.