rip-washing-machine

BookyBooky ✭✭✭

A very dull question for a Saturday afternoon.

The washing machine has just had some sort of spasm - it made a horrendous noise, then shorted out the electrics. Now it won't come on and the door is locked with the clothes stuck inside. It was second hand when we got it, so several years old. 

Is it worth trying to have it repaired or should we just get a new one? 

I don't really want to spend a lot on an old machine... But can't really afford a new one. And second hand is always a gamble...

Thoughts?

Comments

  • Whatever I say is going to put the kaibosh on mine which I have had for close to 20 years ....

    I say give it lots of praise and kisses  image

  • BookyBooky ✭✭✭

    I think that's the first time I've ever seen someone suck up to a washing machine. Kudos image  image

    I've kissed it. It's still dead...

  • Mr PuffyMr Puffy ✭✭✭

    I think you should get it fixed, they are pretty simple things really, a drum, a drive, a motor and and a control box. any of them can be unbolted and replaced.

    And the older the better too, I think newer machines are very flimsy.

  • Why would you buy a second hand one when they are so cheap to buy?

  • and why not mend something that can be mended ?? 


    There was a discussion on R2 in the week about 'throw away culture' .....  Interesting debate image

  • Mr PuffyMr Puffy ✭✭✭

    You can't throw a washing machine very far though.

  • RicFRicF ✭✭✭

    Depends what works out the most economical, short term and long term.

    I work on the principle that poor people cannot afford to buy rubbish. It has to be quality to last.

    A former boss of mine who had more money than was good for him always bought items that were basically low quality cheap junk. That's because he was a cheap skate.

    If the items fell to bits, no problem, get another. They were cheap.

    Spent lots more money in the long run but that's short term thinking for you.

    🙂

  • You can buy new but seconds - we got a Miele for ??300 with just a few marks which should have been ??900. We've had it 16 years so far, it needed a repair and service last year at ??200 but should have up to 15 years life left. That's really good value!



    As to your machine, have you googled the fault with the make/model? Chances are others have had the same problem before and you may find out what parts need replacing and how to do it yourself. Often second hand parts are on ebay. I've fixed the heater on my mum's car for a fiver which would have cost nearer ??400 at a garage and done repairs on my own for free or minimal cost. Plus a laptop repair at no cost, just by downloading some software. There's also a massive sense of satisfaction in fixing things yourself!
  • RicFRicF ✭✭✭

    Good post Peter.

    Yes, some research and effort can yield satisfying results.

    We should realise that the 'experts' that we 'call out' in haste are charging us for our ignorance as much as any service they provide.

     

    🙂

  • BookyBooky ✭✭✭

    My first call was Google to try and work out what the problem is, but I was discouraged from any sort of attempt at fixing it myself... And so we phoned a repair man. 

    My instinct is to repair, but I'd want to cap the repair budget. If the repair is going to cost the same as a new one then it just doesn't make sense to invest in a worn out machine. Unfortunately it does all come down to finances!

    Where do you find new seconds? 

  • That's sensible Bookie.

    I've only had my washing machine since 2009 and it is complete crap. It has had three repairs already. Because it's always been dodgy I've kept it on extended warranty, so I've never had to pay for a repair but that will become uneconomical if I renew it again so it's basically getting it's last chance.

    I think it's horrific that it will mean buying a new one after about only 5 years but I'm sick of the bloody thing.

    If you have to get a new one, don't buy Hotpoint!

    And thanks for the tip about the Miele Peter, I'd certainly consider that or a Bosch next time.

  • We got ours direct from Miele, they have a clear out of damaged machines (or certainly used to) every now and then but there are some dealers who specialise in seconds. A good long internet search might produce some results.



    I'd thoroughly recommend Miele if you can get one second hand that's not too old. The parts used are very heavy duty (the drum bearings are guaranteed for 10 years). Most other makes over the last 20+ years are junk - lots of emphasis on technology but no engineering integrity. No good if a machine is 10% more efficient if the drum falls off after a couple of years!
  • Screamapillar - be wary of Bosch, generally very good but certainly in the past they used to buy in cheap machines from other manufacturers to sell as Bosch to compete at the lower end of the market. I realise a new Miele is a very expensive option but they really are a great investment. Buy cheap buy twice - although when it comes to a washing machine that could translate to buy cheap buy 5 or 6 times!!
  • depends on what local guys you have.we have a mature guy around here that charges £20 for call out and that included his first hours work........he can usually fix things in that hour.......

    the more basic the machine the easier it is to fix.....any with expensive circuit boards need specialist codes etc.......so buy basic ......

    the last time he came out he tried but couldn't fix it for less that £150 so thought we would be better off getting new...only paid 200 for the new one......so a good call....

     

    mine does get used a hell of a lot as there are 5 of us and a hell of a lot of kit getting washed each week in a ddition to normal washing

  • See if you can fix it.  Bosch are ok at cheaper end.  Avoid Hotpoint.  Personally, we're replacing everything with Miele.  Yes it's expensive, but it will last 20 years and they're often guaranteed for 10.  In the long run, it's the cheapest option.

  • RicFRicF ✭✭✭

    Hotpoint!!

    My neighbour has one of those. It nearly shakes itself to bits on the spin cycle.

    I have a Bosch which on full spin is quiet and clearly fully balanced. no wonder they last. The lack of vibration must add years to its life.

    🙂

  • Mr PuffyMr Puffy ✭✭✭

    Next time you're chatting over fence, suggest he levels up the adjustable feet, that might help?

     

     

  • Hi RicF - don't know if you've ever taken a look inside your machine or others but in the cheap machines they have a concrete block at the top. Miele (not sure about Bosch but quite likely) have a cast iron cradle around the drum. More expensive to do but will certainly smooth out the spin.



    I really must get out more!
  • MuttleyMuttley ✭✭✭

    Can I ask here about the seal on my washing machine?

    It stinks of fish and keeps banging its flippers together.

  • image Muttley.

    I'm convinced the bloke in the washing machine has come loose and this is whats caused the problem don't know if this will be a quick fix through. It's Nam's old one so got to bring it back to live promised would look after it.

  • Mr Puffy wrote (see)

    Next time you're chatting over fence, suggest he levels up the adjustable feet, that might help?

     

     

    Gradually it will destabilise itself again, especially on a wooden floor. If, as Pete says, it's got a concrete block on the top its inherently unstable anyway.

    I want a Miele - will have to see how much dosh is left when I get back from holiday!

  • BookyBooky ✭✭✭
    Cake wrote (see)

    image Muttley.

    I'm convinced the bloke in the washing machine has come loose it.

    Is there a little man in there like a hamster wheel?  image

     

  • RicFRicF ✭✭✭
    Peter Everitt wrote (see)
    Hi RicF - don't know if you've ever taken a look inside your machine or others but in the cheap machines they have a concrete block at the top. Miele (not sure about Bosch but quite likely) have a cast iron cradle around the drum. More expensive to do but will certainly smooth out the spin.

    I really must get out more!

    As a mechanical engineer I was interested to see why the Hotpoint-Crap wanted to double up as a mode of transport and why the Bosch by comparison was pretending to be switched off while on full spin.

    The Hotpoint had a lump of 'breeze block' stuck on the top of the drum, while the Bosch had a piece of specifically moulded balanced concrete.

    I imagine that in the future, washing machines will have a set of computer controlled dampers and sound cancelling speakers.

    🙂

  • image Washing machine update a very nice man from able repairs has just tried to fix it and the wiring board has gone. Cheaper to buy a new one than to fix it.

    Only good news is because he couldn't fix it he didn't charge anything and had to take the day off so get to go for a bike ride. image

  • BookyBooky ✭✭✭

    Suggestions for a new (less than £300 ish) washing machine please? We'll have to live on potatoes and blackberries from the garden for the next 3 months, but needs must.

    I'm tempted by the John Lewis ones as they seem to get excellent reviews, but would welcome recommendations! 

  • Mr PuffyMr Puffy ✭✭✭

    We have a hoover DYN 8144D

    Miele owning Toffs will probably sneer at its lack of gold plate and titanium but it gets our clothes clean, including the entire Chester City Colts team strip sometimes.

    I think it is about £350 but you wouldn't need such a large capacity perhaps you could get something smaller nearer to £300 in the smae series.

    However, it does wobble a bit on spin but our floor isn't just wood it's not very level.

     

     

  • Mr PuffyMr Puffy ✭✭✭

    I think AEG make John Lewis, but doesn't mean it is an "AEG" machine, we make stuff for everyone, and we make it to their spec and price we don't just give them our product with their name on.

     

Sign In or Register to comment.