Trying do decide whether to repair or replace

by tc
(central florida)

We have an Maytag Ensignia washing machine - about 6 1/2 years old, that we love. It was just diagnosed with a broken timer that needs to be replaced (machine works on all cycles but doesn't move from one part of the cycle to the other).

We are not handy so we need to repair it via a service person, or replace the machine completely.

It costs about $ 211 to repair (initial diagnostic was $ 79 that confirmed it was the timer that is out; to fix it would be an additional $ 130 - part is about $ 80 and labor about $ 50). There is only a few months warranty on the new timer part, and practically no warranty on the labor.

A brand new machine is roughly another $ 311. So for another $100 I'm much more covered.

Any comments / suggestions? Because of a special deal, I can apply the cost of the diagnostic ($ 79) to the new machine (included in summary above).

I'm leaning towards the new machine but I wanted to see if anyone has a different feeling and why.

Thank you very much in advance.

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Answer

Hi TC,

This is a repair site so I always lean toward repairing things. With that being said look at it this way would you pay $211 for a used machine that worked perfectly but has no warranty? Most people wouldn’t.

Another way to look at it is that if the timer puts the washer back to work for another 6-8 years then you saved $100. But then again if you put the timer on and then next week the motor goes out you will be out $211.

If you were only talking about the $80 for the timer and you were to replace it yourself I would say repair it, but when you get into the $200 dollar range you have to think hard about it.

One more thing to think about, how much do you love this machine. Be careful not to buy a machine you will not like (for whatever reason).

Thank you,
Shawn/administrator