Considered MN opinion needed - are cheap washing machines a false economy?

[stealthsquiggle]

..only the pump on ours has just died, and it was already making "my bearing is about to go" noises so we are dithering between paying to get it fixed knowing that it may not last much longer anyway or giving up and getting a new one - but it would have to be a cheap one as we are more-than-usually broke - any good/bad experiences of cheap machines welcome!

yes
i would always go for a better make

Yes! Had a run of cheapos until I got fed up and bought a Bosch, which didn't break the bank but wasn't cheap either. Just think of the use it gets and the cost of replacing it every 2-3 years, with repairs in between ...

Bother. Why did I think that might be the answer? Next question is going to be which is the cheapest brand which is acceptable - current one is Zanussi and owes us no favours as it has been going for quite a few years. I am not bothered about things like how quiet it is as it is in a utility room which I can shut the door on.

As well as the price of the washing machine itself, you need to look at the economy rating (ie what it will cost to do each wash) and also whether it adjusts cycles according to the amount you've got in there (alternatively a half load setting). This will affect your running costs over the years, and it may well be that buying a cheaper one doesn't work out cheaper over time.

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STOP PRESS. My wonderful, marvellous, heroic father has fixed it - for nothing - so the issue of how much money I can bring myself to spend on a replacement is hereby postponed!

Thank you all for opinions - sounds like Bosch washing machines are worth it, then - I have to say I have been disappointed with our Bosch dishwasher vs. it's Zanussi predecessor.

Might be worth looking at the cheap machine plus extended warranty option - I paid about £80 last year for 3 years cover through Comet, and although the machine isn't an expensive one at least I know I don't have to pay for repairs/replacements until the warranty expires.