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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

would you, could you buy a second hand washing machine

36 replies

kiwibella · 13/05/2011 14:17

the cost to fix our washing machine is not too far from buying a new one. I can't afford to do either so I'm nervously trawling gumtree and ebay for a bargain. Otherwise I will have to put it on credit. Am I taking too big a gamble even thinking about buying a second hand one?

OP posts:
Original poster
kiwibella · 13/05/2011 14:17
  • otherwise I will have to PURCHASE a new one with credit.
OP posts:
ElfOnTheTopShelf · 13/05/2011 14:20

I got a second hand one when DH & I moved into our house. My dad got it through the local papers. Was a Zanuzzi washer/dryer. We have been in the house eight years, and only just replaced it with a new one.

Original poster
kiwibella · 13/05/2011 14:21

thanks Elf, that's reassuring. I haven't seen any for sale in the local papers (yet) but there is a number for reconditioned machines.

OP posts:
ElfOnTheTopShelf · 13/05/2011 14:25

TBH, when we moved in, we had a washing machine, fridge/freezer and microwave all second hand through the papers. As with the washing machine, we have only replaced the fridge freezer in the last year, but only because we needed a bigger one. We still have the microwave :)
Obviously its always a risk buying something electrical second hand, but I have known people buy things brand new and have nothing but trouble with them.
The washer/dryer we have now is through Argos and we did get it on their store card, on a buy now pay in 9 months option.

ChippingIn · 13/05/2011 14:33

I got my fridge from freecycle :) It had only been used for a month - I was very lucky Grin

If you can get one cheaply enough then go for it, but you just don't know what you're getting do you - so it's a bit of a risk.

If you get a new one Boots are brilliant. Their online electrical applicances dept - cannot fault them.

COCKadoodledooo · 13/05/2011 14:36

We did - friend was going back home to Thailand so we bought his 2yo washer off him. It's still going strong 7 years later (and has now lasted longer than the brand new one we bought when we first got married Hmm)

Original poster
kiwibella · 13/05/2011 14:58

I've tried freecycle... somehow it seemed like a good deal if it was free and became faulty!

Ours, which needs replacing, is just over two years old. We didn't take out an extended warranty. Lesson learned.

I didn't know Boots did electricals! Thanks. Argos' pay later would be helpful but, if we got for a new machine, I will be looking for a goodie.

OP posts:
wednesday13 · 13/05/2011 15:03

The older the better I reckon, they were built to last. Anything in brown should be a good'un.

BluddyMoFo · 13/05/2011 15:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

cat64 · 13/05/2011 15:06

This reply has been deleted

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Original poster
kiwibella · 13/05/2011 15:09

cat, we've done that.... been arguing this and were told our interpretation was misconstrued. Dh is going to the small claims court but we can't force them to repair or replace. We can recover any expenses that we incurred.

OP posts:
Original poster
kiwibella · 13/05/2011 15:14

the machine came with our house and Barratts final response to our threat of legal action was....

they are "satisfied that the goods supplied were of sufficient durability for their intended use"

another line reads...

"Whilst it is correct that the time limit for bringing a claim under the Act is six years from purchase, we do not have a liability to repair or replace your appliance for six years and it does not meant that all goods must last six years."

I can't believe that they think TWO years is a sufficient life-span of a washing machine. It isn't a dead-duck but it does need the drum replacing which costs as much as a new machine.

I would love to know where to find one for 20 quid though!!

OP posts:
fifi25 · 13/05/2011 15:17

Im onto my 5th washer in 9 yrs. Mine have all been new but i end up breaking them. Its not the washers its me. I once left a 50p in and it cut the drum like a tin of tuna. Anyways have you seen the new one in asda which does a full wash in 12mins. My mam has a washer with someone who replaces them even if they can be fixed within 5 yrs of purchase. I have got mu aunties old one and have had it 18mths which is a record for meGrin

MistyB · 13/05/2011 15:20

People do pass on second hand washing machines when they get intergrated fittings in new kitchens etc so I would risk it - also look in Post Office windows etc as often advertised there.

I recently passed on a second hand washing machine that was in good working order so I don't think you are taking too much of a gamble.

You are unlucky to have your machinge stop immediately after the waranty ran out and FWIW, I don't think extended waranty policies are worth buying.

If you are looking on ebay, check out the prices new first (beko and gorenje are not expensive new) and avoid Servis as they have gone out of business and many parts are no longer available.

memphis83 · 13/05/2011 15:21

go on gumtree, freeads, loot all online and free adverts in local area also ebay?

Ormirian · 13/05/2011 15:21

Yes have done 3 times. In fact never bought a new one. First was a Bosch Maxx that cost me £150 and lasted for 8 years.

Fizzylemonade · 13/05/2011 18:41

Ooooh, came on good housekeeping as I want a large capacity washing machine recommendations. I have a bosch which I bought 8 years ago and the damn thing won't die Grin

So I will be probably passing it on for free in a few months, sadly I am in Yorkshire so nowhere near you Sad

But I just wanted you to know that there are good bargains to be had!

LawrieMarlow · 13/05/2011 18:52

We moved in to a house with a washing machine in it. Don't know how old it was but still going a year later :)

Ormirian · 14/05/2011 07:32

Ime the best place to look for one is from a washing machine repair place. They often get hold of old ones and recondition them. Then sell them on with a guarantee. Our latest Bosch cost 170 incl 6m guarantee, delivery and fitting and he took the old one away.

fartingfran · 14/05/2011 07:50

Mine's still going 4 years later and it only cost £30 - estimated age 13 years when I bought it! Often these come up when people get new kitchens so there's nothing wrong with them. If you check small ads and shop window ads and look for a Zanussi (has to be old to be any good though) you'll probably do well :)

Grumpla · 14/05/2011 07:54

Ask around on facebook? I just gave away my old one when my mate's brother updated his status saying theirs had flooded the kitchen!

I'd definitely have a look at eBay as well or see if there is one of those charities near you that refurbs household goods and sells them.

lipslave · 14/05/2011 07:57

We bought a machine from a friend who was going travelling 8 years ago. To be honest it is on its last legs, but is probably well over 10 years old. It is a really basic model, and was probably the cheapest machine in currys when bought, which just goes to show that you don't have to buy one of the 'superior' brands for it to last.

I too am praying for a malfunction so I can get a super-duper 9kg one Wink

sheepgomeep · 14/05/2011 08:31

I have. It cost a 150 quid but it was virtually brand new anyway. Its done ok although it must have a loose connection somewhere cos you have to thump it now and again to get the digital display back Hmm

Celibin · 14/05/2011 13:35

go on the Washerhelp site- nowadays machines are not built to last so 2nd hand one may be ok. I think looking out for ones that peopleare selling cos they are moving is good but in our town we have several outfits doing reconditioned ones with 6 months guarantee best of all might be to ring local dealer and ask if they have any ex-display models on sale - a bit dusty but so what?

DonaAna · 14/05/2011 16:31

I did once and regretted it. It wasn't great and smelled musty to boot. So happy it died (but it took almost 6 years before it did) and that I bought a new Bosch - what a difference. Ex-display might be okay but 2nd hand is risky.

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