Replace or Repair?

Washer Repair
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1

I need some advice. I have a 12-year-old Whirlpool top loader that has been a great machine. It’s not squirting oil out into the laundry, leaving yellow stains on clothing. Repair will be $325. However, my research on new machines has made me seriously question buying one. Poorly built, noisy, breakdowns within 2-5 years, new agitators, and of course, the new water conservation B.S. handed down from Washington that all new machines have.

What do I do? Is it worth repairing my machine that actually fills the entire tub with water to do a wash, or buy a new one and begin washing two loads for every one load my current machine can do?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

3

For the same money, if you shop around and hunt for bargains at the big box stores you can replace this machine with just about the same mechanicals.

4

You have a direct drive Whirlpool that lasted 10 years. I would buy the same type washer, probably get one on sale.

5

Thanks for the replies, but the direct drive washing machines are not very common now. In fact, they aren’t even sold under the Whirlpool name. On top of that is the issue of new washing machines being required to use 25% less water thanks to the government mandate.

So let me ask this. Anyone purchase a new machine in 2011 with the new lower water requirements? If so, what has your experience been? Are you washing more loads than before? Are they rinsing as well? Do you have to rinse twice? Is your machine noisier and vibrating more?

6

New direct drive machines are very common in my area and I suspect nationwide

The fact that they are not sold under the Whirlpool name is irrelevant and actually saves you money because it means they can be discounted, which they are, without hurting the Whirlpool brand name. It really doesn’t matter under which brand name they are sold. If it’s all Whirlpool inside, why do you care?