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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect a washing machine to last longer than 3 years?

26 replies

MrsPear · 13/07/2016 14:26

I bought a washing machine - £599 3 years ago - and it has started making a terrible noise upon spinning. Been told it is the drum bearings and it will cost around 299 for the repair. So I rung customer service and they told me tough in so many words and sometimes we just get the "bad egg." I am sorry but shouldn't a machine last longer than that?

OP posts:
Cosmo111 · 13/07/2016 14:30

That's why you purchase the 5 year warranty. To be honest washing machines are considerably a lot cheaper than they once were you could buy a new one for the cost to repair your old one.

BarbaraofSeville · 13/07/2016 14:34

She shouldn't have to buy a 5 year warranty though, the washing machine should be built to a reasonable standard to last a reasonable length of time.

And it's not like she's bought a cheap one either. My 11 YO washing machine cost less than half that and it's still going strong (and prices haven't gone up that much in the last few years).

MauledbytheTigers · 13/07/2016 14:39

Yeah for 299 I'd just buy a new one. I don't tend to spend so much (last one 250) , that way if it breaks 3 years down the line, I'm not so bothered.

Original poster
MrsPear · 13/07/2016 15:32

Thank you Barbara. I have written a e mail and see what they say in writing. If a washing machine is only suppose to last 3 years I will be buying cheap and cheerful and avoid this brand.

OP posts:
zofranks · 13/07/2016 15:35

you have the EU rights thing - look at moneysavingexpert.com - electrial items have a 6 year warranty - can't remember why tbh - worth checking out though

BoredOnMatLeave · 13/07/2016 15:37

Probably a stupid question but are you sure you're not over filling it? DP works with washing machines and says they should never be more than 3/4 full... Preferably only 1/2 full. Although I do feel they shouldn't sell something if you should only use 1/2 of it!

treaclesoda · 13/07/2016 15:39

My last one only lasted 3 years. My washing machine repair man said it wasn't worth fixing (also the bearings) and that in his experience about three years is a fairly standard lifespan these days. I'm just resigned to it now.

ShotsFired · 13/07/2016 15:42

Depends. Are you using it 7 times a day, 7 days a week?
Or once a week?

That said, bearings are pretty easy to fix, just fiddly to get at. Parts cost about £30 and then it's just time with your tools.

BarbaraofSeville · 13/07/2016 15:52

If the £299 repair cost was quoted by the manufacturer, it might be worth getting another quote from an independent washing machine repair person.

There are videos on you tube on how to repair washing machines, and repair manuals are often on the manufacturer's website.

We're somewhere in between shots 2 examples of usuage frequency - probably 3 or 4 loads a week, as no DCs. I can imagine a family doing a lot more, but I think water hardness, or lack of it in our case, is a big factor in washing machine longevity, although I can't see that this would effect the bearings.

We've had 2 washing machines in about 22 years. The first one we left in our old house when we moved as I wanted a handwash programme and a bigger drum and thought that moving an 11 YO washing machine was tempting fate somewhat. I think the first one cost around £400 and the second £250, but both a similar standard - prices have come down quite a bit in the last 10/20 years.

The second one is also 11 and still fine. If it breaks we'll either get a new one, but DP will probably first want to have a fiddle to see if he can fix it. He'd willingly spend £30 and an hour or two to save buying a new machine.

Mummyme1987 · 13/07/2016 15:55

I had this so many times. 3 years if that. I bought a Miele with a 10 year guarantee for £800 instead. Better wash quality than my old indesit by miles too.

Mummyme1987 · 13/07/2016 15:56

We have very hard water here. The free 10 year guarantee swung it for me.

Mummyme1987 · 13/07/2016 15:58

Not that I use it! Oh and dd20 does that these days. Stain removal is outstanding on Miele. Can recommend them if you are looking to replace it.

c3pu · 13/07/2016 16:04

When my last washing machine gave up the ghost, it was 20 years old (got given to me when I moved into my house and was broke!). I did my research when I bought a new one, I asked a washing machine fixing bloke what he'd buy... he said:

"If you want a good one you'll need to spend about £500, and only get one that comes with a 5 year guarantee as standard."

So I had a poke on Hot UK Deals, and found a good deal on an LG washer. The machine is in warranty for 5 years, and the motor has a 10 year guarantee. it cost just over £500 delivered.

Had it about two years now and it's been great.

However my boys mum had to buy a new machine about the same time as me. She bought the cheapest one she could possibly find, and it's a pile of poo. Makes awful noises, is out of warranty and she absolutely hates it lol.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 13/07/2016 16:18

I have a 15 year old Miele, used every day and never broken down. It's terrible people think it's normal to have a buy extra insurance for a machine that should last longer than 3 years!

I'd look into the 6 year thing as suggested above , it's about time people stopped accepting this as standard.

pussinasda · 13/07/2016 16:29

contact trading standards at that price it should last longer than 3 years

Original poster
MrsPear · 13/07/2016 16:56

Thanks for your messages.
Re overfilling - I always make sure that I have a clear gap and only half fill when I do towels. I clean it every month with proper cleaner and wipe over it after every load and leave the door open. It is because it is so expensive to replace that I am careful. If I have no joy I am seriously wondering whether to go cheap or buy a melie -sp- on cc.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsPear · 13/07/2016 16:57

Plus I will look into six year thing ta

OP posts:
Mummyme1987 · 13/07/2016 18:38

And will do a better wash! I find stains like tomato just disappear with just normal wash and powder.

marblestatue · 13/07/2016 20:25

They're not built to last any more. It's not in their interests, when they could get you to buy a new one.

Windsofwinter · 13/07/2016 20:29

Another Miele washer here. My parents have one that's over 15 years old that has never broken. Mine is only new but the wash quality is much better than any others I've had. It's quite quiet too.

Mummyme1987 · 13/07/2016 21:49

Lots of commercial places have Miele. That's says a lot I think. Build quality is very good.

BarbaraofSeville · 14/07/2016 06:54

Ooh that looks interesting DramaQueen.

I thought Mieles were much more expensive - close to £1k or more and I would never pay that - it would have to last 3 times as long as a normal machine for me to be able to justify that - I've been perfectly happy with my £2/300 machines and they've lasted over 10 years each so on that basis, I won't live long enough to benefit from paying extra.

But if I could get one for around £500 and the wash is better, or they are better in other ways (quieter? quicker wash?) I could justify spending that amount.

Mummyme1987 · 14/07/2016 09:28

Quieter and the 20 min wash is better than my old machines normal wash!

Tigger365 · 14/07/2016 09:33

Speak to the retailer and say you want to look at an out of warranty repair under the sale of goods act. They will likely ask you to get a quote/report saying that it's a mechanical fault, ie nothing you did. If this costs you, they'll give it back if it is a mechanical fault.
Don't give in, it's your right.

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