Recently my 10 yr old Kenmore frontloader needed repair. My repair man told me it wasn't worth it as several other major parts on this machine were on their last legs. He recommended I purchase the basic top loader from Roper (made by Whirlpool). His experience was that the more basic the machine, the longer the lifespan and the more computerized parts, the more likely a repair was. I priced those machines--~$450 but not carried in stock by any local store. I wanted to SEE what I was getting before purchase. I can't tell you how many barely used machines were on Craig's list for $1000 +!

So I decided to go to a local appliance store and buy a used washer. I figured I could buy 2-3 before I spent $450 and buying an older machine might be a better machine than new. PROS: the new washer holds more laundry per load and washes more quickly. CONS: needs to run through the spin cycle twice to get equal the water out and doesn't have a delay start like my old machine. (I have an odd laundry arrangement so my drain goes uphill.)

My repair guy also repairs computers. We agreed we want our computers on the desk or in our laps; not in the basement doing laundry.