something old, something reconditioned

[hotCheeseBurns]

What's the best way to buy a washing machine?? We're moving in a couple of weeks and need to get one.

Personally, I think I would prefer to either spend next to nothing on a second hand one and hope for the best, knowing that nothing has been lost if it doesn't last long, or splash out on a spangly new one on (interest-free) credit and feel confident that it won't pack up on us.

My boyfriend however, is keen to spend £50-£120 on a reconditioned washing machine from some guy... I'm rather sceptical about this as my beloved has a tendency to get ripped off by con-men...

Experiences please?

my first was machine was secind hand from a freiend of friend. was the best wash machine i have had, it lasted me 4/5 years and never needed any repairs done.
the next one i had was new lasted me 5 years and was fixed on average 2 times a year. i have bought a new one earlier this year it is waiting to be fixed now.
never bought a reconditioned one so no experiance there to help

I'm still thinking I'll keep my eye out for one for free or nearly free, especially as we don't have any money to spare!
We've been given a very nice sofa from harrods and a really comfy leather chair today, I'm going to try to furnish this house on as little as possible!

We had a reconditioned one when we first bought a house and it lasted us for 14 years (including the birth of two children and consequent washable nappies). The reconditioned cooker we bought at the same time us still going strong in our old house apparently.

How about freecycle? - no cost at all then.

I am keeping a beady eye on freecycle, have heard that washing machines rarely come up though.

Wow that your reconditioned one lasted 14 years! Where did you get it from??

An electrical shop in Bradford I think.

You could post a 'wanted' message on Freecycle. We did this when my sister moved into an unfurnished flat and needed a vacuum cleaner. Someone very kindly offered her one that was in fab condition.

you can post a wanted ad on freecycle

I think I will. I got the impression from the freecycle etiquette (sp?) guidelines that "wanted" ads aren't entirely welcome, but I think I'll write a nice jolly one about moving house and hopefully we'll get offered some stuff.

you have nothing to lose and tbh some of th wanted ads we get on our freecycle are vvv cheeky - laptops ,big thin tellys even .....range rovers it may just be someone has one in the garge doing nothing nd whilst they didnt want to give it away nice email about a couple setting up home will make them think