Agree with autowasherfreak
Personally, I have the Frigidaire 2140, which I chose over the 2940 because it was $100 less, and the only difference I could see was that 2940 had a digital display with remaining time. What I did not realize was that the 2940 has two other key features that the 2140 lacks:
1. Automatic Temperature Control: adjusts hot and cold intakes for a "true cold" and "true warm", which allows for seasonal differences in cold water line temperature, plus fluctuations in hot water line temp (if hot water is being used elsewhere in the house). ATC does not "dumb down" the hot setting on this machine, if you select Hot you get hot water line "hot"
ftp://ftp.electrolux-na.com/ProdInfo_PDF/Webster/134848800ef.pdf
However, there is no heater, so if the hot water storage tank is depleted, your "hot" won't be hot. Not an issue with a tankless heater I suppose.
2. Variable delay timing. The 2140 has a fixed 8-hour delay timer. Useful to set up a load at say 9 pm to wash at 5 pm. I use this feature far more often that I expected when I first bought the machine, I felt it was a gimmick. Now, however, there are times I wish I could do a 5-6 hour delay if I arrive home at say 11 pm and need the washer to start at 4 or 5 am. Or, it's a warm day (washer is in garage), I'm running errands on a weekend, and I don't want wet laundry sitting in the machine for several hours until I get home....then a variable delay timer is great if you synchronize it to complete the cycle at your expected return time. Also, for those in areas with "smart meters", you can recoup savings on power by washing in the wee hours of the morning.
Best Buy has this machine on sale for $655.
The matching dryer (2152) is on sale for $595 (electric) or $655 (gas). You can economize with the 4000 dryer
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705209&type=product&id=1138085156937
which matches the 2140. No window in the door, but otherwise the same machine. $468 electric, or $527 (gas)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705343&type=product&id=1138085157167
The 4000 dryer will stack on the 2140 or the 2940 with a bracket from Frigidaire that costs around $20. The controls nearly match except the selector dial on the 4000 is a small white knob instead of the large gray dial found on the 2940 washer and 2152 dryer. The footprints and shapes of the machines are identical.
I have had the 2140 washer and 4000 dryer (actually I think 4000 is a special model number for Best Buy, I did not buy there and I think my dryer is model 1442) for three years, two months, with excellent performance.
The 2940 is rated as Consumer Reports' three Best Buys. The other two "winners" are both GE's, and were unknown to most of the readers here, but the 2940 has made the Best Buy list three years in a row. Had I known about the extra features of the 2940 at purchase time, I would have bought a 2940 for $100 extra. The 2140 is still a fine machine and would save your relatives $100.
Depending on where they live, there may be rebates from the various utilities. Here in SoCal, there is a $150 water district rebate, and a gas company rebate of $30-50.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7565137&type=product&id=1152228808922
