After 10 years (I initially thought it was 12), my old Kenmore's motherboard fried. It had cost me about $300. The motherboard would cost over $200, so I bought a new Kenmore. It was on sale for $279 but with installation (Sears uses AIS, a third party for their installs) costing $200 with the kit, the OTD cost was more like $500. I asked the installer how long this Kenmore would last me. He says he sees them last about 5-7 years. At that time, I could just buy a warranty for $300 for 3 years, but that's the same as paying $500 every 5 years for a new dishwasher.
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This is called planned obsolescence.
Watch this series:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01zxm9b
Episode 1
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20j885_the-men-who-made-us-spend-episode-1_creation
Episode 2
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20j8as_the-men-who-made-us-spend-episode-2_creation
Episode 3
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20j8ct_the-men-who-made-us-spend-episode-3_creation
Posted by: Paul | September 12, 2014 at 07:26 PM
I'm not sure you can expect more when you get the basic model. My digital Maytag has lasted for 20 years with only a seal requiring replacement (DIY). However, it's the last appliance I have not upgraded, and will probably do so just to have something quieter. Spend a little more than what you waste on watches and I think you'd be happier in the long run, plus good appliances can help with your home's value.
Posted by: JMaff | September 12, 2014 at 09:02 PM
The Sears repairman told me the more expensive models have more features and those features can malfunction. I would happily spend more on a dishwasher if I knew it would last me like 20 years.
Posted by: herculodge | September 13, 2014 at 06:43 AM
Push button controls are solid state electronics, less likely to fail then something mechanical. Now if internal seals breakdown and allow moisture then you'll have problems. One if the reasons these new washers have the buttons on the top edge of the door is to further isolate them from such potential issues. As well as for aesthetic reasons.
Posted by: JMaff | September 13, 2014 at 03:41 PM
Mechanical controls are less likely to be damaged by lightning strikes and other electrical surges, which in my area, are a real problem. I bought a whole house surge suppression system (installed) for about $300.00. It's supposed to take the brunt of a bad strike into my electrical panel----and protect my appliances, which are all digital. It protects other electronics too, such as radios and televisions, though it doesn't protect the TVs from the cable being hit by lightning. In any event, I'd be very, very disappointed if any new appliance is not able to last 10 years under ordinary use. There was certainly a time when 20 years was the norm.
Posted by: Angelo | September 14, 2014 at 06:02 AM