So, do I get a new washer or call a repairman?

[Sweet Freedom]

My washing machine is leaving my clothes soaking wet, doesn't seem to be cleaning them well AND I can smell something electrical. To me, this sounds like a darn good reason to go buy a new washer--especially since they are on sale (ends today) with free delivery and haul away and I have a mountain of clothes to wash. But it's few hundred bucks that I'll have to put on a credit card.

Or, I could call the repairmen, pay for the service call and hope that it's something repair-able and less expensive than a new machine. (My hoses seem okay, but I really don't want to take apart my machine and start searching for the unknown.)

Whaddya think? (The machine is a Kenmore and about ten years old.)

[azmouse]

1. Buy a new front-loading machine.

Newer machines use less water and electricity.

[Sweet Freedom]

3. Ooo, I wish.

I really can't afford one right now.

[flvegan]

2. Personally, I'd go for the new washer.

That's just me, and with a rescue to run, I need a washer that I know I can rely on. Besides, a repairman will be a couple hundred bucks (parts and labor) I would guess. I think I paid $300 for the one I bought last year.

[Sweet Freedom]

4. The one I'm looking at is just shy of $300,

free delivery, and I can have it Thursday.

[flvegan]

7. I'd be all over that.

[Sweet Freedom]

8. I think I will be :) /nt

[lost-in-nj]

9. not to mention

its probably more efficient water wise and energy wise


so you will save in the long run....


lost

[LeftyMom]

5. 10 years is all it's engineered to last

Even if you get the current problem fixed, a new one will probably follow, and service is expensive.

I'd go get myself a new one, probably a front loader.

edit: look at scratch and dent stuff, that's where the deals usually are.

[Sweet Freedom]

6. I was thinking it was on it's last leg

but when I was talking to my mom and justifying the new washer, my arguments sounded a little shallow. (I think that's just cause I had to borrow money from mom recently, so somehow a washing machine sounded extravagant :shrug: )

[LeftyMom]

10. A service call is going to cost you $100 as soon as the guy walks in the door

plus his time (probably $90/hr) plus parts, assuming the thing is repairable at all and that the parts are available. So the way I figure it, you're looking at about at much to get the thing fixed as to get another one, and in that case you've still got a ten year old washing machine.

Or you could take your $300 and get a new washing machine.

I know what I would do.

[Sweet Freedom]

11. Delete -- double posted.

[Sweet Freedom]

12. I'm off to buy a new washer. :) Thanks everyone! /nt

[pitohui]

13. wow they normally last around 20 years but i thinkyou've got to bite the bullet

i wouldn't get another of that brand just on principle since 10 years is not a long time for a washing machine, they last 20 years plus in my family

but seeing you can replace it for $300, go ahead

keep the hoses, don't let them sell you "new" hoses and steal your old hoses to sell to somebody else, a common scam

[mwb970]

14. It sounds like it's time for a new one.

Be sure to ask for a discount when you buy it. Even 5% off would help!