Buy new or used washer and dryer

[seahorse]

DH and I are trying to decide if we should get a used washer and dryer or buy a cheaper new set. One of the issues I have with getting a used washer and dryer is that it seems they don't last very long. It also grosses me out thinking about using a used wash machine. Did you buy your washer and dryer new or used? What experiences did you have..did the used set last..or did you wish you had bought a new set instead?

We went to a scratch and dent sale but it was the upper models and they were still priced too high. We eventually want a front load wash machine and I'm willing to get something cheap while we save for what we want.

[marvholly]

Over my home owning years (since summer 1973) I have done both. Generally buying used has allowed me to buy upgraded machines - larger, more cycle/water settings, better quality. Buying new, lower quality units ends up costing about the same & lasting about the same.

To remove the gross out factor of a used machine simply run it empty w/2-3x the normal amount of bleach.

[constanz22]

I bought a used washer when I moved into my current house 5 years ago. I paid less than $200 for it (don't remember the exact price, maybe $179) and it's still going strong. I had to do one under $100 repair to it a couple years ago.

I was SO sad when my 30 year old dryer kicked the bucket a few months ago. I loved that thing and it was a tank. I bought a new, low end dryer from Lowes. The belt broke after the 4 TH time using it.

I have no problems buying used. I see really nice sets on craigslist or Facebook selling groups for really cheap all the time when people upgrade. Personally, I don't ever want a front load washer. I have read/heard way too many bad reviews than good. They are a fad...

[Deleted]

The first washer dyer set we bought was free from Craigslist. They were 1970's avocado green, but worked like a champ. The guy we got them from even drove 40 minutes to deliver them to us all for free. I ended up giving him $30 or $40 or so. The second set came with the house we bought. They were a few years old. I had to fix them each once so far, but they are still going strong.

[seahorse]

Marvholly: I hadn't even thought about how the lower end new sets may not last as long. I like the idea of using bleach to get rid of the ick factor .

constanz: So glad you washer is doing so well for under $300 when you add in the repair. DH was looking at Craigslist and I admit I'm the hold back b/c I'm scared we'll buy something that won't work for very long. Thanks for the input on the front loaders ..I hadn't done any real research in them and was only thinking about how nice it would be not to have an ajitator (the thing in the middle). I do want a machine big enough to wash my quilts.

ArchietheDragon: yay for having such great luck!

I'm hoping to get a couple more months out of our washer and dryer. In 2003 we bought a stackable for $800. The unit worked great but started having issues after being moved a few times (we moved 4 different places). The dryer works well most of the time but we have to keep checking for lint clogs. DH took the panel off and saw that there were a couple of wires that looked a bit scorched. He said when the dryer does conk out it will just quit working and he didn't see any fire threat. The wash machine portion of it has a few broken springs and DH has done repairs but he said he's done all he can for now .

So far it sounds like it may make more sense to find someone upgrading on Craigslist. DH will love that advice b/c I'm the hold back on that, lol!

If anyone else has more stories or advice I am all ears ;D.

[BeenThere...DoneThat...]

...my suggestion would be to approach a new w/d much like you would a new vehicle... check consumer reports, repair costs, reputations, etc.... and then buy the best deal you can find to fit your needs...

[tcu2003]

I got a set used from a former coworker and they worked great! After using them for about 5 years, I was able to still sell them on CL (I was getting married and DH had a set a bit nicer than mine, and we didn't need two sets).

re: cleaning - if you're in Pinterest, I've seen several pins about how to clean the inside of a washing machine.

[seahorse]

BeenThere...done that: Great idea! I plan on having my next w/d for many years to come so I want them to last.

tcu2003: That's neat that you bought used, used them for 5 years and then sold them . I do have a pinterest account and I will look into cleaning out the wash machine.

[seriousthistime]

My first set I bought used from a used appliance store. They were not a "set" but went well together. I left them in the house when I sold it three years later. The second set was one we negotiated with the purchase of House #2. They lasted forever. I moved them into House #3 where they got heavy use until the clothes began to get iron stains on them, which was because the tub was disintegrating. My 3rd set I bought new in 1997 and it's still going strong. A few repairs here and there but nothing unusual.

I'm not sure I'd buy used now. Like many things, appliances aren't being made to last these days like they were 30 years ago. I'd probably go to Lowe's or HD and get in on their "1 year same as cash" deal or whatever interest free deal they have.

Part of what convinced me to buy new the last time around was that I realized that with 3 teenagers doing their own laundry plus me doing sheets, towels and laundry for 2 adults it would not be frivolous to spend the same amount of money on laundry appliances one time that my XH spent on computers and high tech gadgets every year. So far, amortized over the time I've owned them, it has cost me less than $100 per year.

[kittensaver]

Seahorse do you know about Freecycle?

www.freecycle.org

It may not work for you unless you live in or near a large metropolitan area, but it might be worth a try. There are chapters all over the country, and they (we!) are merely folks who are trying to keep "stuff" out of landfill by offering it for free to others who might need or want it. In my chapter I've seen offers for everything from leftover craft supplies to plants and gardening supplies to furniture and appliances and all kinds of electronics. I've seen offers for free appliances that work, and appliances that need repair in order to work. Personally, I've given away furniture and lamps, a wood pile (!), leftover interior house paint and old window coverings.

I don't think "used" is necessarily all that bad! I got a used set as part of the purchase deal of our home (the seller didn't want any of their appliances). 11+ years later they are still going strong. I don't care what they look like because they're hidden behind closet doors. 2 years ago the dryer needed a new belt, but that was super-cheap compared to purchasing new.

Good luck to you and check out freecycle

[startsmart]

First set I "bought" we're free on Freecycle and a friend even helped me load and haul them home. The dryer is still going strong 4 years later and the washer survived 3 years before dying. I had my dad take a look before I replaced it and ended up getting a dented model at the Sears outlet for about $300. It has a warrantee too so if there are problems they'll replace or repair it as needed.

[vonna]

Bought my first set new at age 21, straight out of college. That set lasted through multiple military moves, a couple of stints in storage while I was overseas, and basically close to daily use for over 25 years. Dryer went kaput several months ago.

Bought my second set new at age 47. I really liked my old set, but these new-fangled ones are nice. Somehow I doubt they will last 25 years, and they probably won't ever be moved.

Both sets bought from sears with the 0% financing over 12 months.

[grits]

There is a family owned appliance store here that will occasionally sale used washers and dryers that they have serviced.

[p8nt]

I just bought a new top loading Speed Queen washer for $700 including tax. It's large capacity but has an agitator. I HATED my front loader. I mean HATED it. I hated it so much that even though it cost me almost $1200 new 7 years ago, I still bought the new one and sent the front loader with DD to college.

If you're really trying to save money then I'd go with the used set for the time being. Call your local appliance store, ours sells used ones on consignment for people who have bought new.

[HappyCat]

Watch for "scratch and dent" sales at Lowes, BestBuy, Sears, etc. It is all in the timing but you can get a good deal if you have the patience. Mostly, you can't even see the scratches/dents once they are side by side in your house. We bought a high efficiency set 10 years ago and we've never had a problem with them...saved alot of $$ at the time.

[thyme4change]

My first house came with a washer and dryer that were used.  After 10 years of going to a laundromat, it never occurred to me it was gross to use a washer that had been used by someone else.  Although, I do recall cleaning it out with a washcloth and some bleach, but I can't remember why.

If I was buying a washer, and I had the money, I would buy new - just because I believe if taken care of, they can last for years and years, so it is worth it to start fresh.  My Mom had the same washer and dryer for 30 years.  I've had mine for 12 years, and I don't see any indication that I will need to replace them soon.  I think the two grand I dropped 12 years ago is working out.  At the present time, I think they have cost me 50 cents per load.  I'll let you know the final number when they finally die.

[happyscooter]

I would buy 'used'.  If you pay $100 for a set, it gives you time to save a little bit of money to pay cash for the next set.  Or you might be able to save ALOT of money, they might hold out for a long time.  Anytime I hear someone say 'I am going to trade cars, I think mine is going to need some repairs in the next few months', I want to say 'Are you SURE it will need repairs?' 

Archie,
Did you even know what AVOCADO GREEN was before you got those appliances? 

[Clever Username]

Here's what I learned when shopping.

1. Washers today are high tech complicated mechanical devices.  High speed spin means the clothes coming out are almost already dried.  Money spent here will be returned through lower gas bills.

2. I'd worry about buying a used front loader.  Leave the door shut after running and you get mildew.  Big time.

3. Dryers are low tech.  There is a single advancement since the 60s that is worth its cost.  A moisture sensor.  It's not totally needed, just remember it's wasteful to continue to heat clothes after the moisture has evaporated.

New washer + used dryer is a very good pair.
If you buy new, buy the washer from the fancy side of the store and the dryer from the boring all white side of the store (if you buy it new at all).

[seahorse]

DH and I are going to call the local repair shops. We have one a few blocks away I never knew about until their add caught my attention. So far our stackables are still holding out and we will have a tax return soon..but even with the tax return DH and I are focusing on finding something cheap . DH loves searching Craigslist and it's funny but the prices seem to have gone up..but that just means we haven't found the right set yet.

[Deleted]

I would buy new at Best Buy or Lowes or whever and use the 12 or 18 month no-interest financiang.  I just bought a new range (it was going to be over $600 to fix) for just under $1100 and I have no-interest 18 month financing.