"Fix or replace?" thoughts

[lordkenmore]

I started a new blog...even with a bad history of keeping blogs alive. One of the first posts is about the idea of fixing things when broken. It may be of interest to AW.org members.

http://johnbabbles.blogspot.com/2016/08/fix-or-replace.html

 

[frigilux]

Have never had a blog, but can imagine it takes no small commitment to keep one going.   Have fun with it!

 

I don't have any of the requisite accounts to reply within the blog, so I'll do it here:

 

Are you crazy?! Don't you understand the danger you're putting yourself in by straying from the mantra of 'replace replace replace? Best not to discuss the other 'r' word anymore.  Corporate America is watching and listening and they want you to buy a new product.

 

[DADoES]

 
People don't repair appliances because the cost to repair has become much too high in comparison to buying a new unit.

Parts are too high.  When a washer transmission is $250.00, and a new machine can be had on sale for $399 ... where's the justification?

Servicers charge too much for service.  On top of the part(s) and labor to install it, there's a separate diagnostic fee, and often a trip fee.

Gone are the days when Mr. Washerman came by to fix a broken wig-wag pin with a (free) nail and $2 for his trouble.  Or $6 for a belt and $10 for the service call. 

Nowadays ... broken drive coupler? $40 part, $75 diagnostic fee, $120 trip & labor. That'll be $235 + sales tax.  Thanks, kindly.

 

[lordkenmore]

Yes, Eugene, blogs do take a certain amount of time/effort...which is one reason why I have a poor history with keeping them alive!

And am I crazy? Well, those who read my posts here might think I am! LOL

But yes, the "r" word is not something corporate America likes to hear...

 

[lordkenmore]

And you're right, Glenn--the cost of repairs is too high.

 

[kb0nes]

Indeed at times the cost of repair will exceed the replacement value of the machine.

But it seems that many of the people I know (that aren't well versed in appliances etc) tend to simply assume that a 3 year old whatever isn't worth fixing. They won't even chance the call to check. Sure you are taking a gamble since you will pay a trip/diagnostic fee, but it will often pay off in better value in the end as repairs could very well be quite reasonable. Funny is that many of them play the lottery or visit the casinos, where I guarantee your odds are worse.

For those that are even slightly handy, coupled with the amazing power of the Internet, things are FAR better. These people can likely diagnose their own machines and possibly even repair them too making the question moot. Personally I will take a shot at fixing anything I own and generally succeed too.

 

[dartman]

I fixed every machine we owned till I decided it was time to upgrade, even if it was just a better used machine.
First ones I bought were a BOL Hot point set when I moved out. Got almost 10 years out of the washer till it ate it's transmission, the dryer lasted another year and I paid 200 for the pair beat up but technically new. Replaced them with a much nicer Whirlpool DD washer and eventually dryer that were rebuilt. Ran them till 2013 with a few cheap and easy repairs.
Now I have a Kenmore/Whirlpool 28102 washer and the next year dryer.
They also seem to work well and most of the common failure parts should be cheap and easy to replace.
Yes, If your mechanically inclined and check eBay and Amazon you can find factory or otherwise usually improved parts dirt cheap and guides online to troubleshoot and replace them. I use YouTube or printout the guides if I don't know how to do it already.

 

[frigilux]

Enjoying the blog Lord K! AppleWorks; cars pushing 300,000 miles (mine is at 269,000). Keep it going!

 

[lordkenmore]

Thanks, Eugene!

I seem to recall you had Toyota sold under the Geo name. It's amazing how long those can last--I see Toyotas from the 80s still going strong.

 

[frigilux]

Your Blog/ Not Homeless: I know the feeling. My sister is my only living relative in the US. She has two adult sons with families, but if something happens to my sister, there will be very little contact with them. I've lived alone for most of my adult life.