Would you bother to have your 8 y.o. washing machine repaired?

[LuckyMommaToo]

Or, more to the point, would you spend $75 to have someone come look at it? I'm leaning toward no. It's a Kenmore Calypso, which unfortunately turned out to be terrible lemons. I feel like cutting my losses and just getting a new one now. Is that crazy?

-e

[moneymama]

You can buy a working washing machine on craigslist for less than $75.00 - so no, I wouldn't.

[MillieJane]

It depends. What's wrong with it? Can you see if you can figure out the problem/fix it yourself? I ask b/c my mom's washer is about 17 years old(!) and it broke down a couple of years ago...i went online and found out that it needed an $11 part, fixed it myself, and it's still going strong. I don't think I would spend $75 just to have someone come out, especially if it's something big like the motor has gone out--or it really is a lemon. I think we bought our current Whirlpool washer brand new for under $400, and you could surely pick up a used one for much less. But if a new washer=a whole new expensive set(w&d) it might be worth it to try to fix the current one. But that's just me.

[kristandthekids]

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Edited by kristandthekids - 1/16/13 at 6:34pm

[ArtsyMomma]

I vote for fixing it yourself if possible or the new washing machine, assuming you have the funds for it.

[enkmom]

It would depend on what the problem is with the washer.  Mine was filling slowly, and it turned out I needed a new mixing valve.  My dad fixed it for me with a $15 part, and I got another 4+ years of use out of the machine.  I started saving at that point for a new washing machine, and when mine finally went kaput I had the cash to buy an HE.

[corrie43]

nope, I would buy a new one. I had two repair guys come out. One for the washer and one for the dishwasher. Both cost about 100 each and they both told me I needed parts and repair that would cost more than a new appliance. I wish I would have just went with a new apliance in the first place and skipped the initial bill. I now buy at least 5 year FULL coverage warranties for any appliance. it just paid off because my 1 year old dishwasher just had to have the whole control panel replaced. We looked at the bill he would have charged and it was 500 bucks.. The dishwasher alone didn't even cost me that much WITH the warranty.. Appliances are not made to last these days it seems.

[nd_deadhead]

I have had both my washing machine and dryer repaired (both are about 18 years old). But we have a wonderful repairman who we trust.

[wendyland]

I've had my frigidaire front loader for 11 years.  Everytime something has gone wrong(maybe twice), we've been able to find forums with instructions on how to fix it.  It's saved us a lot of money.  On the other hand, if I had a washer that I hated and kept breaking down, I would totally get a new one. 

[Ellien C]

I too had my 20 yo washer and drier repaired but I would  not spend money on an 8 yo machine. I agree that it's a different animal. And I have a great appliance guy. The washer broke right before I went into labor and I called from the hospital. We was all - like- Oh that's an emergency, I'll be there tomorrow.

 

Originally Posted by nd_deadhead 

I have had both my washing machine and dryer repaired (both are about 18 years old). But we have a wonderful repairman who we trust.

[PenelopeJune]

Yes, I agree with some of the PPs. A 20 year old washer was built to last, I'd probably repair that, if it was a fairly easy fix. I would not fix anything built in the last 10 years, because they just aren't made to last anymore.

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by PenelopeJune 

Yes, I agree with some of the PPs. A 20 year old washer was built to last, I'd probably repair that, if it was a fairly easy fix. I would not fix anything built in the last 10 years, because they just aren't made to last anymore.

Yep.  We kept a 20-yr-old washer going for a long time b/c it was solid and built to last.  Newer appliances are junk.  Their "brains" alone cost upward of $400 and so are not worth repairing, if that's the problem.

[taubel]

Our dryer broke a few months ago. We're not sure how old it is (came with our house) but it would have to be AT LEAST 10 years old, but probably older. I called an appliance repair man, who was very old school - probably in his late 70s. He charged $45 to come out, and then our total bill was $150! I wasn't sure it was best to fix the dryer, but the old man said it was better than sending $400+ on a new one that wouldn't be made as well. I hated spending $150, but the dryer has been working perfectly, and we didn't want to have to buy a new one. Hopefully I did the right thing by trusting the old guy!