Maytag/Whirlpool Washers
"Stick with a Whirlpool brand washer. Plenty of parts and service is available. " Parts availability later is a factor in my decision. The service technicians favor Maytag/Whirlpool and Speed Queen here. One only charges $50 if to take a look if I cannot figure it out myself.
Where I live, the Maytag mvwp575gw can only be found in locally owned and operated appliance stores. The big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy do not carry them.
The low-end of this model is the Roper sold by Lowes.
https://tinyurl.com/Roper-RTW4516FW. Great option for those on a tight budget! It has a dual agitator! Someone on this board has this model or one like it, and really likes it. I believe he bought it after a similar low-end Maytag Centennial? gave out after only a few years.
The difference in cost is the higher quality parts (the thick/sturdy metal panels, wider 7-rib versus 5-rib belt, actuator, 1/2 hp motor, 60 watt vs 45 or 50 watt capacitor, premium bearings, and commercial-grade quality fill hoses included). These are things you can see. It probably has a better quality parts that are not easily seen like the control board. After all, this is the top of the line [inferior when compared to the old models] washer for residential use. Also, I like the knob design better. The five year in-home parts and labor warranty is hidden in there too. This model is built to be easy to repair. The top two screws remove from the metal console panel and allow access to parts there. The front easily removes to allow access to parts that way or can be tipped toward the wall (placed on back) to allow access to parts underneath.
Based on this, I think one is more likely to have fewer repairs to the Maytag model and it will last longer without major repairs than the Roper. You pay for the convenience. For me, that cost $350.
I agree something needs to be done. These appliances should not be built to be disposable. The electronics were only added to the base models, so the washes could be "controlled" to conserve energy and water. I just add my own buckets of water or run a load twice LOL. Puts me back to the old days. Soon we'll be hauling water up from the creek too. Bring back the old mechanical models.
I have second guessed my decision many times on whether or not to get the Speed Queen TC5 while it is still available, and it boils down to what I said in the above post. Bring back the mechanical version awn432, and there is no second guessing for me. For now, I chose somewhere in the middle, and I think the Maytag will probably last about ten years. I really feel it is more likely I can keep this model going if I want to versus the time-limited TC5. Also, if you want the best performing cleaning washer, you cannot beat the dual agitator--even Speed Queen does not have that. For those with pets, kids, who work technical trade jobs, do their own repairs around the house, etc., best cleaning performance is a factor.