Why don't they make anything like they used to??

[bella_again]

Seriously so sick of brand new stuff breaking down because its inferior quality to years gone by. I made the mistake of buying a well known brand name HE top loader, huge mistake.  It's never washed well and not even two years old takes 2 hours, sometimes longer  to do a load, skips washing sometimes and spinning other times.  Worst of all I get a better result if I hand wash 'sigh'.  Maybe I should get the stick out and start beating the washing lol!!!! Anyway got a repair man out and it won't even do a diagnostic, gets stuck on cycles and even if the power on the machine is turned off still senses for quite a while after.  The only way to reset is take the plug out of the power point for an extended time.

This machine is supposed to be middle to higher end and was not cheap.  I trusted its name brand to find it is no longer made in the country it once was, but in china. I also made the mistake of trusting a brand name I've had for years and not researching. I recently did some research and it was extremely depressing, worst machine I have ever heard of with thousands of complaints.

So why do they get away with selling this rubbish?  Vent over, I feel better you probably don't lol!

[bella_again]

Seriously so sick of brand new stuff breaking down because its inferior quality to years gone by. I made the mistake of buying a well known brand name HE top loader, huge mistake.  It's never washed well and not even two years old takes 2 hours, sometimes longer  to do a load, skips washing sometimes and spinning other times.  Worst of all I get a better result if I hand wash 'sigh'.  Maybe I should get the stick out and start beating the washing lol!!!! Anyway got a repair man out and it won't even do a diagnostic, gets stuck on cycles and even if the power on the machine is turned off still senses for quite a while after.  The only way to reset is take the plug out of the power point for an extended time.

This machine is supposed to be middle to higher end and was not cheap.  I trusted its name brand to find it is no longer made in the country it once was, but in china. I also made the mistake of trusting a brand name I've had for years and not researching. I recently did some research and it was extremely depressing, worst machine I have ever heard of with thousands of complaints.

So why do they get away with selling this rubbish?  Vent over, I feel better you probably don't lol!

[cq_tech]

Unfortunately, the early Maytags which were used in laundromats are far superior to the later Maytags which are currently available from retailers, but the Kleen Maid / Speed Queen series of machines are still being manufactured to the same high standards they were 20 years ago, and they still appear right at the top of most reliability surveys even today.

By the same token, I would never buy an electronically controlled washing machine as electronics and moisture don't get on particularly well together. Far better to stay with the still-available mechanical machines which utilise the tried and proven rotary clockwork mechanisms IMO.

[bella_again]

So I've got nowhere trying to get my machine fixed.  Basically I get a better wash hand washing.  So I sent the company a letter via resigistered post saying that because the machine does not work for it's intended purpose I'd like a refund.  Don't like my chance though lol!

I've been researching the speedqueen, its expensive and doesn't have a great warranty it only has a year labor and parts & 5 yrs for the motor.  I've also come across the ECONAVI Front Loader Washing Machine – 10kg by Panasonic.  Does anyone have experience with this? It has a 10 year warranty. I do prefer a top loader though.

Any other suggestions?  I don't want anything made in China, Taiwan etc

[izabsmiling]

Hi Bella 

I hope that your OH has recovered .Sorry about your w/machine..if I was in your situation I would be request (quite firmly) a replacement if they can not fix it  or find out what the problem is .My LG 7kg has been brilliant (going on 10 yrs and used daily ) and best of all the price suited our budget at the time.Things do seem to pile up at times..just like the washing does lol .I hope that they sort it out for you asap .

[*crikey*mate*]

---

@*elizabeths-mum* wrote:

We bought our second Maytag thinking the same, cqtech. 

My first machine which was a very cheap plasticky no agitator automatic lasted about 17 or 18 years. Even then I suspect I might have finally killed it through misuse. It stopped working one day during a load. I pulled half the washing out in hope then rang the repairman who came around, saw what was left in it and said 'Crikey, you've overloaded that one, love!'  oops. 

---

I didn't touch it!

[*elizabeths-mum*]

😄 if only I'd thought of you when it happened.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Hi Bella. I have to agree with those who mentioned Kleenmaid and Speed Queen. I have had a Kleenmaid now for years - not missed a beat. If no joy in getting your current machine fixed and soon I would cut my losses and get a Kleenmaid or Speed Queen. It's not worth the massive frustration of having a glitchy machine.

[bella_again]

Thanks Sprinkle well update is that after going to consumer affairs the company has decided that they will replace the machine however they want to replace it with a front loader not a top loader which is equally as useless going by online reviews.  I have declined because my back injury can't cope with continued bending over to wash.  So I am guessing they will replace the washing machine with the same model which wil be equally as useless, given that the design is one of its greatest flaws.

If I had have got the refund I would have gone speedqueen but will now have to save up for a while to achieve that goal.  If they do replace the machine I will just have to hand wash before I wash as unfortunatley the top loaders with low water levels don't wash well even if they work.  sigh*

The greatest lesson out of all of this is even if you think you know a product because its been reliable in the past  you still need to  research, research, research!!!

[*elizabeths-mum*]

Hold out a bit longer Bella and look into it more:

Repair, replacement or refund

If you have a minor problem with a product or service, the business can choose to give you a free repair instead of a replacement or refund. When you have a major problem with a product, you have the right to ask for your choice of a replacement or refund. For a major problem with a service, you can choose to receive compensation for the drop in value below the price paid, or a refund.
http://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/repair-replace-refund

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Hi Bella, sorry to hear you haven't had any joy from the manufacturer with this. I need a top loader also as like you I have back problems and cannot be continually bending. Yes, research is the key for sure as I have learned from this topic. I didn't know for instance that some brands that used to be reliable are now made cheap and nasty with heaps of problems that was not the case originally. I hope the machine they supply you will somehow work better than expected. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

[bella_again]

Thank you Elizabeth's mum I was told that it was up to the company by consumer affairs vic. I asked for a refund and they were going to give it but the manager of the worker taking care of my case from the company wouldn't approve it.  I have asked again just waiting for a response.  They are saying they replacing it because they can't service it, company is undergoing a change over so there have been huge delays in responding.

If I end up with a replacement I couldn't in all good concience even sell the thing on...  its good for  aboat anchor though lol! 🙂