WWYD - Repair or replace Washing machine - UPDATED Original Post

[dfchelbay]

ETA -Just got back from Home Depot, and the price of the washing machine is now $459 and no rebate. It is a GE, large capacity top load machine. There are other brands I could get for a lesser price, but I don't know too much about Admiral brand machines. So, after you read below, and now know the higher price of the new machine, what decision would you make? Thanks.


My washing machine needs to be repaired. First, it was just the spin cycle that didn't spin...it would 1/4 turn, grind noise, 1/4 spin grind noise. That wasn't bad, but within about 5 loads of laundry, it then 1/4 turns and grinds, 1/4 turns and grinds all the time. So, I went to the store and can get a brand new machine for $325, with $25 rebate for energy efficient machine and free delivery and hook up.

So, my question is this: My current machine is a Kenmore, Super Capacity. It will be $129.00 for a service call for Sears to come look at it. That doesn't include parts, or whether my washing machine is even repairable. My washer is about 9 1/2 years old right now.

So, would you even bother having the machine looked at if you were me, or just replace it with the new GE High Efficiency Washing Machine?

It's $300 for brand new washing machine versus $129, plus further charges unknown for parts...IF my current washing machine is repairable.

What choice would you all make? Thanks.

 

[cglaura]

My washing machine needs to be repaired. First, it was just the spin cycle that didn't spin...it would 1/4 turn, grind noise, 1/4 spin grind noise. That wasn't bad, but within about 5 loads of laundry, it then 1/4 turns and grinds, 1/4 turns and grinds all the time. So, I went to the store and can get a brand new machine for $325, with $25 rebate for energy efficient machine and free delivery and hook up.

So, my question is this: My current machine is a Kenmore, Super Capacity. It will be $129.00 for a service call for Sears to come look at it. That doesn't include parts, or whether my washing machine is even repairable. My washer is about 9 1/2 years old right now.

So, would you even bother having the machine looked at if you were me, or just replace it with the new GE High Efficiency Washing Machine?

It's $300 for brand new washing machine versus $129, plus further charges unknown for parts...IF my current washing machine is repairable.

What choice would you all make? Thanks.

Does the $129 include labor, or is that just for them to show up? $129 plus labor plus parts could easily get to $300.

I think $300 for a brand new machine is a better way to go, since your current machine is old, and may need even more repairs in the future.

Craigslist might be an option if money is tight. I found a fairly new whirlpool for $50 and have been using it with no issues for almost 3 years now. Even if it doesn't last as long as a new one, I think I got my money out of it by now.

But $300 is pretty good w/ free delivery and installation.

 

[dfchelbay]

Does the $129 include labor, or is that just for them to show up? $129 plus labor plus parts could easily get to $300.

I think $300 for a brand new machine is a better way to go, since your current machine is old, and may need even more repairs in the future.

Craigslist might be an option if money is tight. I found a fairly new whirlpool for $50 and have been using it with no issues for almost 3 years now. Even if it doesn't last as long as a new one, I think I got my money out of it by now.

But $300 is pretty good w/ free delivery and installation.

This is directly from the website. I just copy and pasted it to here. It looks like labor is included in the $129.

When would you like your repair done?
$129.00
It’s just that simple.

This is the total charge for our visit and labor (part costs not included). No hourly rate, no hidden fees.

 

[disney_5]

If it not still under waranty than you can also get a local (non sears) repairman to come take a look at it. We have a Kenmore washing machine that stopped working after the rinse cycle and would not drain the water. We had a local repairman come out and fix it. He charged us $120 for the sercice call, the part that needed replacing (a switch), and the labor. For us it was well worth it to have it fixed vs. replacing it with a new machine.

Jessica.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

My washing machine needs to be repaired. First, it was just the spin cycle that didn't spin...it would 1/4 turn, grind noise, 1/4 spin grind noise. That wasn't bad, but within about 5 loads of laundry, it then 1/4 turns and grinds, 1/4 turns and grinds all the time. So, I went to the store and can get a brand new machine for $325, with $25 rebate for energy efficient machine and free delivery and hook up.

So, my question is this: My current machine is a Kenmore, Super Capacity. It will be $129.00 for a service call for Sears to come look at it. That doesn't include parts, or whether my washing machine is even repairable. My washer is about 9 1/2 years old right now.

So, would you even bother having the machine looked at if you were me, or just replace it with the new GE High Efficiency Washing Machine?

It's $300 for brand new washing machine versus $129, plus further charges unknown for parts...IF my current washing machine is repairable.

What choice would you all make? Thanks.

Current washer is 9 1/2 years old. New washer is $300 with free delivery and hookup. New machine with warranty, no problems. Hummm.

 

[sharonmickey]

If it were me, I would go for the new machine. You are not sure what the cost for parts might be, or even if it can be fixed. A new machine will save money in the long run if it is high efficiency. Just my opinion...but you did ask. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[mhawk4]

So, would you even bother having the machine looked at if you were me, or just replace it with the new GE High Efficiency Washing Machine?

It's $300 for brand new washing machine versus $129, plus further charges unknown for parts...IF my current washing machine is repairable.

What choice would you all make? Thanks.

I would buy a new one. I had a front loading washing machine that was 7 years old and it stopped spinning. I did have them come out for a service call which cost me $50 and they said they could repair it but it was cheaper to buy a new machine.

Once you pay the $129 and then any parts you are going to be at or near $300 and may only get another year or so out of it as something else might break. If you pay $300 you get a new machine and hopefully get 9 years of life out of it.

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

We just went through this last month. The washer was having issues with the timer. It wouldn't advance after washing to the rinse cycle. It was over $100 just for the part so we decided to just get a new washer. There are moments I wish we had just fixed the old one! This new washer is quiet, but that's about all I like about it.

I hate that the lid locks, it takes 5 minutes to start filling, and takes 56 minutes to complete one large, normal, one rinse, wash. With my old washer I could have done 2 loads in that amount of time. Just make sure you really like the new one!

 

[dfchelbay]

Op here - I added more information to my original post. The price of the new machine went up to over $400 now with no rebate, so I was wondering if that would change your decisions. Thanks.

 

[IDoDis]

ETA -Just got back from Home Depot, and the price of the washing machine is now $459 and no rebate. It is a GE, large capacity top load machine. There are other brands I could get for a lesser price, but I don't know too much about Admiral brand machines. So, after you read below, and now know the higher price of the new machine, what decision would you make? Thanks.


My washing machine needs to be repaired. First, it was just the spin cycle that didn't spin...it would 1/4 turn, grind noise, 1/4 spin grind noise. That wasn't bad, but within about 5 loads of laundry, it then 1/4 turns and grinds, 1/4 turns and grinds all the time. So, I went to the store and can get a brand new machine for $325, with $25 rebate for energy efficient machine and free delivery and hook up.

So, my question is this: My current machine is a Kenmore, Super Capacity. It will be $129.00 for a service call for Sears to come look at it. That doesn't include parts, or whether my washing machine is even repairable. My washer is about 9 1/2 years old right now.

So, would you even bother having the machine looked at if you were me, or just replace it with the new GE High Efficiency Washing Machine?

It's $300 for brand new washing machine versus $129, plus further charges unknown for parts...IF my current washing machine is repairable.

What choice would you all make? Thanks.

I suggest you contact someone from your local angie's list (google it with the name of your city) or find someone on Craigslist. I never use the the name brand store for appliance repair anymore (learned my lesson the hard way) and can generally get a $150 repair done for $40 plus parts (which have always been under $20.00). Your Kenmore may still have a lot of life left in it and you'll save a ton of money.

 

[Swimalie]

Op here - I added more information to my original post. The price of the new machine went up to over $400 now with no rebate, so I was wondering if that would change your decisions. Thanks.

I would still buy the new machine. I've had GE out here for service calls. Luckily, my dad is a former employee so I can get the call fee waived but I have to pay for parts. They can be expensive. I would get the new machine and be able to enjoy the new warranty. Over 9 years old is a long time for a machine (ours is over 9 years as well and doing okay but we know it won't last much longer). By the way, we have an Amana and it's doing well. They don't advertise so you get more for your money with them.

 

[dfchelbay]

I would still buy the new machine. I've had GE out here for service calls. Luckily, my dad is a former employee so I can get the call fee waived but I have to pay for parts. They can be expensive. I would get the new machine and be able to enjoy the new warranty. Over 9 years old is a long time for a machine (ours is over 9 years as well and doing okay but we know it won't last much longer). By the way, we have an Amana and it's doing well. They don't advertise so you get more for your money with them.

Thanks. So, you're happy with Amana then? Are they part of Whirlpool too?

 

[IDoDis]

I would still buy the new machine. I've had GE out here for service calls. Luckily, my dad is a former employee so I can get the call fee waived but I have to pay for parts. They can be expensive. I would get the new machine and be able to enjoy the new warranty. Over 9 years old is a long time for a machine (ours is over 9 years as well and doing okay but we know it won't last much longer). By the way, we have an Amana and it's doing well. They don't advertise so you get more for your money with them.

Years ago when my dryer wasn't working, I called Sears to come out and fix it. I watched the repairman. There was a round rubber piece that was torn. He took it off, opened a package and took out a new little rubber piece, slid it onto a bar, put the lid back on the dryer and handed me a bill for $175!! I kept the plastic package and the old rubber piece so I'd know what to do next time. I called Sears and found out the rubber piece was a $5 part.

 

[lindsmom]

Just went through this a couple weeks ago - washer got sick, had repairman come ($110) and ordered a part ("there's a 90% chance this part WILL work"); part came 1 1/2 weeks later, didn't work so we had to buy a new washer anyway.

We got a maytag for $499 plus delivery and haul away. I think anything under $550 is decent (but I'm in a somewhat expensive area). I love our new machine (it's actually TOO large and I have to remember that a washer full won't fit in the dryer).

I recommend, since your machine is 9 years old, go for the new one.

 

[Swimalie]

Thanks. So, you're happy with Amana then? Are they part of Whirlpool too?

We're very happy with it. It's a high capacity washer and we got it for about $300 or $350. Of course, that was 9 years ago so I'm sure it's more now. And this was after Whirlpool took over Amana.