decent washer recommendations

[epixstar128]

Hi i need to find a good daily driver wash that cleans well. I don't have much of. Budget so used its gonna have to be. My 1990 speed queen died about six months ago due to a failed transmis. With the part alone over three hundred i went to lowes and got there cheapest tl washer they had. The problem is its just does. Not clean well at all and i just hate the danm thing.

 

[whirlcool]

How many times have we seen people come here to ask this very same question?

Well, you got 23 years from your Speed Queen. Maybe it's time to look for a good vintage washing machine?

 

[washman]

Whirlcool said it best

can't really say much more than that.

 

[kitty]

Why don't yo get a new SQ? Those are good machines!

 

[epixstar128]

If I could afford a new speed queen I would get one. heck I would buy a used one in a heart beat but they don't come on craigslist very often

 

[epixstar128]

I would also buy a vintage machine any day of the week. I would just like to know of good models that are out there to look for.

 

[rp2813]

If size doesn't matter . . .

Maytag is always a good bet, but go for the large tub models that have four slots down the agitator instead of three.  That would be my first choice.  Just make sure it's old enough by a few years that Whirlpool didn't make it.

 

Second choice would be a belt drive Kenmore.  You can find larger tubs on those.

 

Some will chime in here and say direct drive machines are fine, but I hate, hate, hate short stroke agitation.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Sorry, rp2813

I AM recommending a used DD Kenmore or Whirlpool. They clean great and are super reliable.
@ epixstar you will not be unhappy with one of those machines. Your clothes get clean, you have few breakdowns and when you do they are easy to fix.
WK78

 

[whirlcool]

I vote for a mid 90's model Whirlpool DD machine. We have a 93' model that is still going strong. Parts for these machines are very reasonably priced and will be available for many years to come due to the number of them that were sold (millions!)

They are built modularly, so they are easy to work on. And you won't spend an arm and a leg to find one, either.

 

[epixstar128]

Found this contacted seller gonna go try to look at it

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/fuo/4324938729.html

 

[epixstar128]

Or maybe this

http://limaohio.craigslist.org/app/4295049910.html

 

[epixstar128]

This looks like a older front loader looked interesting to me

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/app/4263941323.html

 

[whirlcool]

That Maytag dates back to the 80's, but it was one of the most reliable machines made by Maytag. If it isn't rusted anywhere and works properly I'd go for it.

Is that a HE2T or HE3 Kenmore FL machine? Looks to be about 8 years old or so and they only last about 10-12 years anyway.

I don't know what could be wrong with that Speed Queen. Maybe someone who is a Speed Queen expert could outline possible causes and ease of repair.

The machine in my link here wouldn't be bad, either. It's basically a Whirlpool DD machine and doesn't appear to be too old at all.

http://limaohio.craigslist.org/app/4321178465.html

 

[henene4]

AFAIK...

... these are pretty good. FL's of this kind use lower water levels while still giveing good wash results (at least that is what you read about them). But I think it is pretty simple on these to raise the water level to a desired level if you wish to. And they look good over all...

 

[DigAPony]

I'd steer clear of that Speed Queen unless you know exactly what is wrong with it and how to fix it.

That other CL Maytag appears to be a 10 series, perhaps a small blue standard tub size model? Looks like a A510 yet it has a bleach dispenser.

Here is an 11 series Maytag A512 white large tub, single speed but with the sliding water level control and bleach dispenser:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/app/4326493769.html

 

[whirlykenmore78]

You would still be best:

to go with a WP/KM DD machine. They are the best and most reliable.
WK7

 

[mrb627]

Maytags

One of the two pictured Maytag's would get my vote over a DD machine.

Malcolm

 

[epixstar128]

Call me crazy if i get the free time im gonna go take a chance on the speed queen. Hopefully its a easy fix. If not i think i will go for one of those older maytags. In the end i just love my speed queens