Some sort of error chewed up my original posting, but I'll try again...
Since you cannot find the SQ machines anywhere near you, I'll suggest that you purchase a front-loading machine.
Not only are they more efficient, they can deliver far better results and are nowhere near as harsh as top-loading washers. They rely much more on chemical action from the concentrated detergent loading in very little water than mechanical actions, say from beating the dirt into submission.
If you want an FL, look for the following features:
~ Water Heater: An ABSOLUTE MUST on U.S. machines that temper the water. You want a hot wash, you NEED a heater
~ Cycle Customisation: I would recommend a washer that allows customisation of the rinsing, in particular. But if it offers stain-level selection, bleach options, then I would spring for it
~ Capacity: If you sort or don't sort your clothes, this is a nice idea: Buy more clothes so you can go longer without washing, and wash with a fuller load. That way, you don't have to wash "everything" on wash-day, and with FL machines, this is difficult. I know the U.S. machines cope differently to E.U. style machines on a full load...
Some common misconceptions you will probably be aware of:
~ Just because the machine has a "Clean Washer" cycle, doesn't mean you have to use it. Its there for the people who have downright DISGUSTING usage habits: i.e. Those that use Cold water washes, fabric softener and don't leave the door ajar after a cycle. If you use the right detergent in the right quantity, the right water temperature for the soil load and limit your usage of fabric softener, you will have NO need for this cycle. PERIOD.
~ FL machine's can't clean: Again, usage habits need to change with the washer. These machines CAN clean, and are designed to do so using less water. There is still much less physical washing action, and more chemical action: Less water, but same detergent = concentrated detergent loading, CLEANING clothes.
~ Cycles take "too long:" If you have a decently sized wardrobe, and can sort your clothes according to the washer's size, then you'll be fine. Again, usage habits and the way the machine washes alters the cycle time.
~ Cheap/Flimsy Machines: Unless people want to pay significant amounts of money for quality, they won't get it. Speak with technicians, repair-persons and your friends. "Kick the tires" and mess around with machines in the showroom, test their quality. It should be less of an issue with more TOL brands, but be warely, regardless. *Hint Hint* German/Euro machines are typically quite well built, barring the el-cheapo brands or BOL models.
It'll be interesting to see what others say, but this is what I can say, given my experience on here and in reality. You'll find a lot of conflicting evidence though, as people often enjoy clinging to the ways of the past or prefer more traditional means of washing, so just remember that research is the key.
Be warned though, this *might well* end up another TL/FL debate... So, I'll add this:
If you get a TL/HE machine, I would personally recommend the F&P AquaSmart or another machine from their line. All have a nice feature that uses your selected water temperature, filled to a low water level to resemble the "FL way" of cleaning with detergent, not mechanical action. A recirculation pump is used to assist with this.
Following this phase of washing, the machine fills with cooler water and washes at traditional water levels. Rinsing can be "Traditional Twin/Deep," Spin-Rinse + Deep Rinse or just Spin-Rinses. Of course, the former is the least efficient, but should deliver effective rinsing with a high spin-speed between the rinses!
