Washing machine dilemma

amother

OP ↓

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 11:55 am

Last year, our 10 year old washing machine was starting to break down. I decided to spend $900 on a high quality large capacity washing machine.

Unfortunately after a little over a year, a few months ago, it stopped working. We've had to spend a lot of money on laundromats ($40 a week around) since then. One tech came and replaced the pump ($50) but it didn't solve the problem. Now another tech came out ($150) and says it's the control board ($730) that needs replacing.

Do I buy a new (smaller and not as full-featured) washing machine for $600, replace this one, or just continue living without a washing machine? Or do I give the $600, whenever I come up with it, to tuition?

Beautiful

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 12:03 pm

Is it covered by warranty? Can you call the company and tell them they sold you a lemon?

amother

↑ OP

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 12:06 pm

Beautiful wrote:

Is it covered by warranty? Can you call the company and tell them they sold you a lemon?

No. Warranty only covered a year. I didn't buy the extended warranty. Yes I feel stupid but my last machine lasted me 10 years without a hiccup.

amother

Tangerine ↓

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 12:10 pm

any chance your credit card has extended warranty protection? A bunch do

Also try calling / emailing someone high up in the company and giving your story and how disappointed you are. They may offer a discount or even honor the warranty if it was just over.

amother

Mayflower

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 12:11 pm

You buy a new washing machine. You DO NOT keep going to the laundromat and wear yourself out. You figure out tuition later. Clean clothes are essential. Nothing says I love you like clean underwear.

amother

Buttercup

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 12:18 pm

amother Tangerine wrote:

I agree with this.

And btw do not feel stupid. Extended warranties are usually a waste. They’re usually still too short that the product still lasts and breaks down right after the extended warranty expires.

Do not keep going to the laundromat.
Get a new machine.
But really try whatever you can to get this one replaced or a partial refund or discount on a new one like the previous poster suggested (obviously don’t buy that exact same machine).

If I back-owed tuition I would get the cheapest decent machine possible and would cut back other ways if possible to compensate this additional expense.

amother

Foxglove ↓

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 12:57 pm

If laundromat costs you $40 a week then you replace that machine pronto and you “paid” it off in 6 months. Never mind the shlep and all it entails in addition…

nicole81

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 1:26 pm

Definitely buy a washing machine. Mine broke for a week and I saw how expensive it is to do it at the laundromat. It will add up to way more than the cost of a machine.

justforfun87

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 2:01 pm

Did you possibly pay for it with a card that has an extended warranty? Look into that as that may help you.

amother

Red ↓

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 2:08 pm

I’m no expert, but the fact that they both broke within a year of each other, and that it needs a new control board, is making me suspicious that it might have to do with the outlet that your washing machine is plugged into. Maybe have an electrician look at that

amother

↑ Foxglove

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 2:44 pm

Quote:

Can you explain?
My machine keeps on stopping and repair guy also said it needs a new board. (4 year old machine)

amother

↑ Red

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 2:53 pm

If the outlet voltage is too high it can damage the control panel.

Bnei Berak 10 ↓

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 3:55 pm

amother OP wrote:

No. Warranty only covered a year. I didn't buy the extended warranty. Yes I feel stupid but my last machine lasted me 10 years without a hiccup.

Unfortunately quality of appliances have gone down.

↑ Bnei Berak 10

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 4:00 pm

amother Buttercup wrote:

I agree to send a nice letter in good English with full explanation and ask for replacement or discount/refund.

Sb1234

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 4:17 pm

The consumer reports magazine just wrote about this. Their advice is

“Most states require manufacturers to honor so called implied warranties, which means that products should be expected to function for a reasonable period of time, regardless of the manufacturers warranty. So cite when you contact the manufacturer. (Later on the article, states) the Uniform Commercial Code, which is recognized in most states, offers protection to some degree. It states that a purchase should function as expected for a reasonable length of time. Even after the products original warranty expires, you have rights to a remedy under the UCC. If you need more guidance on this, contact the Better Business Bureau or your state department of consumer affairs.

Another option: if you paid by credit card, see if the card issuer offers extended warranty coverage on appliances. Some American Express and Chase cards do.
Here are some options to try if you can’t get satisfaction from either of the retailer or manufacturer:

Dispute the charge with your credit card company ( this would be too late for you.)

Complain on social media. Post your complaint on the Facebook page of the retailer or brand or use a handle on Instagram or ex. Politely state your problem and request help. And post something on the companies website. Companies do look at what’s there, and the last thing they want is negative reviews online

Contact the Better Business Bureau or your state Attorney General‘s office to escalate the complaint with a retailer or manufacturer. Check your state’s webpage for consumer protection or consumer services.

Head to small claims court. It can resolve cases sometimes up to $25,000 and you typically don’t need a lawyer to file. “

amother

Ultramarine

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 5:35 pm

We don't get extended warranties but we do have an appliance repair plan through out utilities. Is that an option for you going forward? Hatzlachah!

amother

↑ Tangerine

Mon, Dec 16 2024, 5:35 pm

Also chat gpt is good at writing letters like this.
If you google you can often find execs emails