would you, could you buy a second hand washing machine

[kiwibella]

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?

If the place you bought it from won't fix or replace it, have you tried going directly to the manufacturer? They might be more helpful. Worth a shot at least, two years is ridiculous.

I second freecycle, people give excellent stuff away on there. I certainly would buy/use a second hand machine if I needed to. My current machine is the only one I've ever had from new (gift from my parents), before that I was in student houses that the landlord provided with a rickety old machine or none at all (launderette) so this is laundry heaven in comparison and even a second hand but decently looked after one would've been an improvement on that...

I wouldn't after reading on here how likely they are to catch fire. I never use it at night any more either.

If it was a trusted friend then yes by all means but not from a stranger.

Our Hoover 1100 was only about £150 from argos and has lasted at least 6 years now.

fire ????

Naoko - no, neither party are at all interested. It is the drum that requires replacing so it's not entirely redundant. But, at £200 to fix, it might as well be.

If I may put my experience into the pot. Buying a second hand washer in my opinion is a no-brainer if you do your research. A new machine with out good build quality can only last a couple of years. Brands like Action and Bush are cheap and will generally fail quickly. Stick to the brands that have stuck the test of time. Hoover, Candy, Bosch, Indesit etc...yes they all have a few duff models I know! But generally your in with a chance of a second wind with them. Especially if you buy from a second hand recycling shop that services them. If you do buy from another member of the public then ask to see it working! Check it takes water, revolves, drains and spins. Make sure it's not mousey on spin. A good second hand machine can give another 2 to 5 years. Sometimes more. Trust me, aerospace apprenticeship behind me and now a successful washing machine rental and sales business thats been established for over 20 years. If you buy new don't buy the cheapest!!! And buying the more expensive will disappoint you as well. Gone are the days of good build quality. They are all pretty much if a much. Good luck! Hope this helps.

Facebook local selling groups are the new local paper For Sale ads. With pics! Also, on ours, there are a couple of people selling reconditioned white goods with three month guarantees.

Mine is twenty years old and still working perfectly, so I would rather have a second-hand decent machine than a cheap new one.

Why are they more likely to catch fire?

Second hand ones I mean. I don’t run any appliances while out or asleep as they all have the potential to start a fire.

I had one from a second hand shop for £50. Had it 3 years, then moved house and gave it to a friend who had it until she moved house. As a PP has said, the older the better. They are designed with planned obsolescence these days as the manufacturers want you to buy a new one every couple of years!

I have. A Bosch. I bought it second hand about 15 years ago. It still works.

If I may put my experience into the pot. Buying a second hand washer in my opinion is a no-brainer if you do your research. A new machine with out good build quality can only last a couple of years. Brands like Action and Bush are cheap and will generally fail quickly. Stick to the brands that have stuck the test of time. Hoover, Candy, Bosch, Indesit etc...yes they all have a few duff models I know! But generally your in with a chance of a second wind with them. Especially if you buy from a second hand recycling shop that services them. If you do buy from another member of the public then ask to see it working! Check it takes water, revolves, drains and spins. Make sure it's not mousey on spin. A good second hand machine can give another 2 to 5 years. Sometimes more. Trust me, aerospace apprenticeship behind me and now a successful washing machine rental and sales business thats been established for over 20 years. If you buy new don't buy the cheapest!!! And buying the more expensive will disappoint you as well. Gone are the days of good build quality. They are all pretty much if a much. Good luck! Hope this helps.