Should we fix our dryer or buy a new one?

[frannn]

We have a Whirlpool dryer that came with the house when we bought it. Whirlpool says our model was manufactured in '93, and the expected life is 10-13 years. The dryer works, but the timer has stopped working. It does not turn off automatically at the end of a timed cycle, so you have to shut it off manually. All I want to know is if it is worth it to fix (by a serviceman) or should we just go buy a new one. Sears repair won't answer this question unless we pay 30. to talk on their do-it-yourself line. The cost of a new dryer doesn't scare me. I am put off by the fact that they want 130 to install a new gas dryer, though. We would buy either a Kenmore or Whirlpool for around 300.
What should we do? Is Sears on the expensive side?

 

[WDWfan uk]

I would suggest getting a new one. It is nearing the end of it's days so it may not be long before, having paid for a repair, that you have to replace it anyway

 

[Tron[ADS]]

In the past I have kept our washers and dryers going by repairing myself, usualy things like heating elements and belts. However the timer units are usualy the most complicated and expensive parts to replace (more so on washers).
How about buying a mains timer and simply plugging your dryer into that, leaving your dryer in the on mode, and letting the mains timer do the switching off for you.

 

[frannn]

Sorry for my ignorance, I just want to be sure its not just for electrical appliances.
Thanks!

 

[Dimplenose]

Does it still do the 10 minutes cool down if you turn it off manually? I remember seeing a TV programme (maybe Watchdog) a few years ago which stated that dryers that regularly weren't cooled down efficiently were more likely to become a fire hazzard. I'd opt for buying a new one.

Libby