to expect a washing machine to last for more than 5 years?

Ah but Frogs- you may not have a son with a passion verging on demented for collecting rubber rands in his pockets. Rubber bands are apparently pretty much the only thing that will stop a Dyson (dunno about a Miele) in its tracks, as they get wound around the out pump and have to be removed by a specialist (no damage to the actual machine though). Even these two incidents were covered by the Dyson guarantee. I can't remember what happened to the electronics, it might have been related to the rubber bands, but the guy who came reloaded their new and improved programme that made it run 4 mn faster. We liked the Dyson because it also used the reduced amount of water of the Miele and Boschs, but doesn't take 32 hours to do it. Also has a 7kg+ load and can do a double quilt. Which is a boon in a 3 (muddy) child house with frequent visitors.

Can you tell that I am in love with my Dyson? Also it is purple and silver- what's not to like? ahem

I overload my Miele all the time I know I shouldn't with hindsight I should have got one with a bigger drum but I don't think they were easily available 8 years ago. You can also get a Miele service engineer to update the programmes on the machine by computer but I've never had to have the Miele service engineer out so have never had this done.

our bosch lasted 9 years

would have cost £200 to fix but we bought a new one

the new ones are more efficient energy wise

my downstairs neighbor (in new build with brand new whirlpool washer/dryer in when we moved in) had it break down pretty much dead a week after her years guarantee.....absolute rubbish. i only use it for washing and its ok...got a tumble seperate as the washer/dryer was a crap combo.

these things should last but dont anymore, worth investing in a more expensive one so it will last!

Our Zanussi gave up the ghost a couple of weeks ago after 7/8 years.

Our neighbour, OTOH, has a cheapo Bejam own-brand one (they are now Iceland I believe??) that has been going 15 years.

multitasker The bearings have gone. I would get it check as it can't be safe using it like that.