Advice on a budget top-loader

[spookiness]

This weekend I will be trolling through Craigslist looking for a slightly used top loader, and hope to pay around $100. There seems to be a good supply in my area due to moves, upgrades, etc.

There is also a Habitat for Humanity "ReStore" and I will be swinging by there.

Of the basic top loaders, what do you think is my best bet? I don't need many functions, although a true slow agitate and spin for delicates would be nice. We're talking low-end GE's, Hotpoint, Roper, etc. (I missed out on a year-old Roper last night because I couldn't get to it in time). It's me and a housemate, so we're talking maybe 2-3 loads a week or so.

If I don't find something used that seems satisfactory, I might go and get a new Roper/Hotpoint/Estate or whatever you recommend.

My Maytag Performa (PAV2000?) seems to have developed a faulty timer and won't spin except on the soak cycle. I have no mechanical ability and doubt I could have it repaired for what I could get a decent used machine for. My budget is very tight right now due to school and only PT work. In 3 years or so I want a nice FL, but nows just not the time. I am slightly sentimental about the Maytag though. It was my first appliance purchase I had to make as a first-time homeowner in 1997. I was hoping it would last 25 years like Mom's Maytag, but such is the times I guess.

I discovered this site years ago, and have been entertained by it many times over the years!

 

[alr2903]

Hi, I would consider repairing the performa with a new timer. "you know what you have". alr2903

 

[yogitunes]

yeah, get a new timer, maybe about six screws, pop off the knob and reuse, usually a big plug with all the wires comes off and then re-install the new one, probably total 15 minutes, theres usually a instruction sheet with it, and depending where you go to get it they'll help you thru it most times, if not ask one of us, most of them can do it with their eyes closed, you'll be excited that you did it yourself, and saved money...

 

[spookiness]

I'm going to play around with it this weekend and report back.

If it is the timer, where can I buy a replacement?

 

[xraytech]

You can definetly order on through Sears, but there are other places that are probably cheaper

 

[lebron]

I'd recomend a shredmore, or a dependable care if you can find it

 

[davek]

You should be able to find a timer for less than a washer. That said, a direct-drive Whirlpool, Kenmore, Estate, or Roper will be the most dependable cheap thing you can find.

 

[norfolksouthern]

Last week, I found a 24" DD Kenmore 70 on the back of a scrapper's pickup truck. After I paid him a few bucks more than the metal shredders said it's worth, I disassembled, fixed, and cleaned up the whole machine. It runs like new! All I had to do was replace the coupler, which is a $5.00 part if bought on EBay. Well, I paid $20.00 for my coupler and got instant gratification instead. Still, who can argue with getting a good, reliable daily driver for $20.00?

On your Maytag: I would replace the timer on your Performa for now, as long as the rest of it is in good shape and it runs reliably. You will also benefit from a complete disassembling and cleaning, like I did with the one I got above if possible. Happy fixin'!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[davek]

24" DD Kenmore 70

It may have needed a coupler, but 10:1 it was scrapped for being small.

 

[maytagmark]

You could replace the timer but it will be just a matter of time when, not if the tranny will fail on the performa,you must be treating it very well,it was a bad design to start with,these aren't true Maytags rather a Amana/Norge design, If you want a good Maytag look for a Dependable Care series or older model, or you can't go wrong with a Kenmore or Whirlpool or GE Filter Flo,I would avoid the newer GEs also. I see 80's model Maytags all the time on Craigslist for about 75.00. Here is my Dependable Care I saw on the back of a scrappers truck, I gave him 20.00 for it,It looked brand new,all it needed was the clamp tightened on the hose that goes to the bleach dispenser, that was about 2 years ago,shes still going strong (knock wood)

 

[maytagmark]

Pic won't load for some reason, good luck on your search, if you have any questions about any potential machines, someone here will probably know the answer

 

[norfolksouthern]

24" DD Kenmore 70

It may have needed a coupler, but 10:1 it was scrapped for being small.

Probably so, but I think the main reason was that it wouldn't agitate or spin. It also had a leak for some reason. I'm sure that whoever tossed it out thought the transmission was gone. It was also quite dirty and full of cobwebs on the inside, as well as some grease or oil deposits in the cabinet on the base. When I got it apart, there was a lot of sand and mud on the bottom of the outer tub. But it all cleaned up nicely. There are no problems with the mechanism at all, and there is virtually no rust any place on that machine.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[everythingold]

Don't put money into the Performa, they are garbage. Get a decent DD. A 3 speed motor and agitation/spin control makes a great machine. Slow down agitaion and you can do delicates. ANY problem with a DD can be fixed easily. Parts are plentiful and interchangeable. Worst case scenario is a bad tranie. I can swap a tranie in 15 minutes. matt

 

[alr2903]

Norfolksouthern, Thats a nice Kenmore, looks brand new. Was the 24" made with the same motor and transmission as the bigger model? If so it may outlast all of us. alr

 

[norfolksouthern]

alr2903:

Yup, same motor and transmission I believe. Quite a few parts are interchangeable, except for maybe the agitator, inner tub, and outer tub. I could even be wrong there! I'll have to post more photos of this machine. It does have its blemishes, but they're minor compared to some others I've seen.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[yogitunes]

same tranny as in all the DD....problem only seen is the Design2000 which started it all, these trannys we used in these smaller tubs at first and then to the super capacity, never making the tranny bigger or stronger, almost pulling 1/2 more of the weight of the original design......makes you think, was it really intended to power the super capacity?

and the agitators are all interchangeable, except for the large base of the kitchen aide, tub is way too narrow...

his 24" is the same exact Design2000, with a new control panel, and yes this one should last longer than the rest, not as much strain on the power train, all over.......