How long does a washing machine last?

[Jean in Newcastle]

We have a Kenmore front loader. It is 8 years old. It is leaking. In the past it has had a number of problems that the repair guy told me was due to this being a model that had some bugs in it that were fixed in subsequent models. Dh thinks that we should research getting a new one instead of fixing it. How long do these new washing machines last? Is it worth trying to fix it? What says the hive?

[Myeightkiddies]

They do not last as long as they use to.

 

I purchased a Kenmore front loader washer and dryer approximately 8 years ago as well. The washer is still going, but my dh has had to work on it. The dryer, however, has already been replaced. Before it was replaced it caught on fire, stopped drying numerous times, and simply didn't work properly - ever.

 

A friend of mine had many problems with her washer - about same age and same brand - with repairmen working on it several times before she replaced it.

 

I agree with the repairman. The older, original models of the front loaders from Kenmore (and GE) are really buggy. The newer ones seem to work much better. I'd suggest replacing it. In the long run you'll save repair money especially since it may never work properly.

[Cassy]

I have a Miele front loader, separate dryer. They're both 12 years old and going strong.

[Pippen]

Agree-not as long as they used to. My old Maytag went for 12 years of hard use. My next one only made it to 5, and that was with multiple repairs.

 

Also, if you get another front loader, be sure to get an extended warranty. Repairs are pricey.

[jennsmile]

I was told 7-8 years when I bought my new one.

[Down_the_Rabbit_Hole]

I had a Kenmore washer for 17yrs. It would have lasted longer but I killed it by putting a bathroom rug in it (like I always did) except this rug was dried out and all the rubber backing came off. Otherwise I would of had it longer. Our dryer lasted 18 years and was still working when we gave it away before moving.

[elegantlion]

We've had our Whirlpool for about 11 years, front loader. The only issue we've had is replacing the pump.

[littlebug42]

I have a Hotpoint washer and drier that I bought used 14 years ago and they are still going strong. I think we have done one minor drier repair. My washer is a top loader though. I dread the day that they finally die on me but so far, so good.

[Mabeline]

I was told 7-8 years when I bought my new one.

 

:iagree:

[Mommee & Baba]

I have had my washer and dryer for 8.5 years and they are both going strong. I've had to do some simple maintence on both of them, but otherwise they are both lasting well worth what we paid. Brand new $800 for the pair. The brand is Estate.

[bettyandbob]

My Grandma's maytag was over 30 years old. However, I don't expect my washer to last more than 10 years (I hope it does though)

 

8 years ago was about when front loaders were becoming popular. I think a lot of models had bugs at that time. I remember reading about leaks and mold. My front loader is newer and my research when I purchased showed that most brands had solved the earlier glitches.

[Rhonda in TX]

My Kenmore washer and dryer are 21 years old and are going strong. We had a minor repair done on the washer about 5 years ago. Now that DH understands what the problem was, he could easily fix it himself if it happens again.

 

I am not impressed with the new front-loading washers and dryers, so we'll be holding on to ours as long as possible. We'll do repairs as needed to make them last.

[KungFuPanda]

My washer just died. It was 18 years old. I dread getting a new one and I'm putting off making the decision because I'm in a temporary apartment and the washer here works :-/

[jelbe5]

I have a Westinghouse (top loading) washer. My parents gave us a washer and dryer as a gift when we bought our house. That washer is 19 years old and still going strong. The dryer died about 4 years ago and we had to replace it.