Washer situation -- What would you do?

[Luv2Roam]

Our clothes washer/dryer set (separate pieces) are approx 7.5 years old -- Sears Kenmore. (Two adults in the household, no kids.)
2 - 3 years ago we had to have both serviced. Minor problems, both at the same time luckily.
Starting last night, the washer is having the same problem we previously had -- it acts as if it is off balance, even though it isn't.
I don't recall what the exact problem was called. But seems like we had to have a special part that had to be special ordered, which resulted in two service calls, yada yada yada.
We are guessing it will cost at least $100 to fix, with the service call.
DH says to just scrape it and buy a new one. This is the second time, same problem, and he is considering it's age and the cost.
He wants to buy one where they will deliver the new and haul away the old.
My only issue with buying a new one is it comes (of course) at a time we are already spending a lot of money remodeling the half bath, laundry area, etc.
Although, when is a good time?

What are your thoughts? What is an average life time of a clothes washer? (Seems like the older they are, the longer they last.)

Oops -- edited -- My WASHER is on the fritz.

 

[Regina]

Our washer is getting temperamental, and it's about the same age as yours.

If it does die, we'll replace it, and I do agree in going to a place that will haul away the old one.

You can spend a lot or a little on a new one. It just depends on how many bells & whistles you need.

 

[Serena]

A few months ago I bought a dryer for a couple hundred dollars. It was at an outlet store and had a small dent in the top.

 

[asamgp]

We have a Sear Kenmore set. Both are 10+ years old. We serviced the drier once about 5 years ago. I think these products are made to last and service calls are often much less than new ones. Do you have any home warranty insurance policies. If so, these often cover this. I do not have one myself, but we have friends who sware by it and its usefulness. Covers appliances, plumbing, a/c, heat and more....

 

[Michelle]

We have a Kenmore washer and dryer and both are 12 years old and going strong. If the repair was less than a couple hundred dollars I'd definitely do that rather than buy a new one. A washer and dryer can last 10-15 years and I would not want to replace one less than 8 years old.

Good luck!

 

[Sharby]

Originally posted by Luv2Roam
Our clothes washer/dryer set (separate pieces) are approx 7.5 years old -- Sears Kenmore. (Two adults in the household, no kids.). . . . 2 - 3 years ago we had to have both serviced. Minor problems, both at the same time luckily. What are your thoughts? What is an average life time of a clothes washer? (Seems like the older they are, the longer they last.). . . . .

From conversations that I have had with a very close relative (who is an appliance repairman): here are some general points to consider:
Your washer and dryer set are 7.5 years old. The average life span of a washer is about 12 to 15 years and the average life span of a dryer is about 15 plus years.

Your washer and dryer have not seen heavy use (you have no babies or kids in the household). Generally speaking, appliance warranties are not a good deal - they give you peace of mind ("if something goes wrong they'll come and fix it") but like interest rates, they tend to be a hidden cost of the balloon type.

Personally - I would probably have the repairman out to 'fix' it - especially if it is of the 'direct drive' type of washer - one more time. Then, the next time it breaks down - replace the washer (the dryer too, if having a 'matching' set is important to you).

Between now and the time that you go to buy a new washer - whether it's in the next few days or the next few years - check the internet and library for good consumer guides to buying appliances - or anything else from coffeemakers to cars. They've done all the research and testing for you - all you have to do is go find out their knowledge.

By the way - the number one cause of service calls? Too much soap.

 

[TinkerPixie]

Your machine doesn't seem to be very old considering the life span of an appliance. I wouldn't toss it out yet.

DH gets about $40 to $45 for a service call, plus the parts, so it could be more reasonable to have it looked at than to buy a new one. It really could be something simple.

Look for a repairman that you can work with on a regular basis, one that neighbors or friends reccomend as being reasonable and qualified. It could save you quite a few bucks!