Maytag Dependable Care Buy It Or Not?

[catlady4ever]

Hello. Found this site a couple months ago and found it to be informative and entertaining. I have recently started collecting non computerized modern washing machines because I learned those computerized ones are just not my cup of tea with their stingy water levels, subpar parts and reliability. I was lured to the HUGE stainless steel tub that could take a bed comforter with ease and energy efficiency. When it stopped working and the shady rip off guy misdiagnosed it, he said it wasn't worth repairing. Only good thing I got out of that mess was him telling me to only buy non computerized washers.This was over 11 years ago. He mentioned direct drive, I didn't remember that term until a couple years ago. But then I also remember those Maytag commercials. That leads me to my questions.

Today my husband and I went to the local flea market. I went to the back of the inside building where the used appliance and furniture (and anything else he thinks he can sell) is. The washers I looked at a couple weeks ago were still there. Is a 1997 Maytag Dependable Care washer dependable? I read a thread on this forum, but it was split on them. It is just my husband and I, so we don't have a lot of loads to do in a week. I have 5 direct drive washers that are all Whirlpool by name, or made by Whirlpool. I want to learn to repair mine so I NEVER EVER have to use a computerized machine again. I am all thumbs and not mechanically inclined. So that led me to start with an easy repair...agitator dogs. This is to build my confidence. I will replace the ones in my other machines as well as I did the hand spin test and they need replaced. So should I add this one and only Maytag too? I am not interested in any other non direct drive machines. It seems these are hard to find and I thought maybe I should own one.

 

[good-shepherd]

should I add this one and only Maytag too?

Depends on price and condition.

That is a true Maytag Dependable Care but a lower end model- One speed, (I think), no warm rinse option or bleach dispenser.

The good-Large tub, Load-Sense agitator, easy to work on and parts are mostly still available.

The Dependable Care name was not a marketing gimmick, these machines can run for decades.

 

[catlady4ever]

Thanks Good Shepherd for replying. Surprised this thread didn't bring out the Maytag fans in droves. You gave me some great nuggets of info to consider and I appreciate it. Most notably that it is a one speed machine. My Whirlpools/Kenmore/Kitchenaid machines are 2 or three. I purposely seek out the 3 speeds because they have a true gentle cycle being named either extra slow/extra low, depending on model. This should be a must for women who don't actually hand wash their bras in the sink and don't mind spending undue money in replacing them due to harsh washing conditions. They can get expensive. Multiple types of arthritis makes actual hand washing a no go for me. I did see it mentioned in another thread about putting in a larger fin to help with making agitation less aggressive.

 

[nmassman44]

Well dont write this washer off since the Delicate cycle is very effective and it uses Maytag's Fabric Metic system to compensate for being a one speed wonder. That cycle one must use a couple of water levels higher than what the actual load is and the agitation in the wash cycle is not long and followed by still soaks. The spin cycle is shortened as well

I have to ask though...where in FL is this machine?

 

[good-shepherd]

putting in a larger fin to help

That model already has the Load-Sense agitator which is supposed to be the least aggressive agitator in the Dependable Care line.

If the price/condition are good and these machine are truly scarce in your area I would get, otherwise hold out for a higher end model.
In my area these models come up for sale on a semi regular basis.

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/app/d/wayne-washer-dryer-gas-maytag/7317054025.html

 

[catlady4ever]

nmassman44 - Nice cat. We have an almost all white with orange spots (think dairy cow)girl named Annabelle. My husband rescued her from a very bad situation along with another kitty who since passed. Good to know about about the delicate cycle being gentle for a one cycle wonder. The machine is in Lake City. We live in a little town 30 minutes away on a country dirt road. Big change from living in Jacksonville 25 years. I see nice machines come up more often in Jax as it is a big city. Some come up in Gainesville as well. Just seems they are already sold by the time I call or text. I am still waiting for my dream machine...KitchenAid direct drive in excellent condition where each speed selection and cycle works as intended. But seeing these machines from the 50's and 60's in pretty colors and with chrome is making me rethink if I wouldn't like one of those too.

GoodShepherd - I don't know what is considered a good price. The seller wants $225. Not sure of condition either. It is a 7/10 as far as looks. He has a beat up black Kenmore elite set that he wants $400.00. I mean they are scratch and dent for sure. Not even sure how they got that badly scratched. A few of his machines also had leaves still in them from sitting outside for who knows how long. I think he is a flipper as well. Says a 30 day warranty. I don't trust any of them after my experiences in Jax as well as Lake City. See my 2nd paragraph post on the current popular Kenmore 80 thread. Your craigslist ad machines are what I would expect to pay for a set in the condition they seem from the picture. Meaning they aren't sitting outside, rusted,dented etc. I will keep it in mind though. Maybe see if I can dicker on price as I will point out how long he has had it just sitting there not sold and taking up space.

 

[goatfarmer]

They are a decent washer. For the right price, it would be mine.

 

[good-shepherd]

The seller wants $225. Not sure of condition either.

I purchased two similar Maytag's at estate sales before the covid hysteria, one for $100, the other slightly less, both in very good condition with more features. (One went to a friend, her family has been using it two years now with no complaints).

I'm okay with dirt and gunk if they can clean up well. DC Maytag's have lots porcelain enamel that clean up nice.

On the other hand; bad scratches, dents, chips and rust are a deal killer for me unless its something special or a parts machine.

I wouldn't pay more than $150 for that machine if it was dent and scratch free. I'd also ask to pop off the front panel for a look inside, it opens out and up from the bottom like a car hood.

 

[qsd-dan]

Hold out for higher end machine with a 2 speed motor.

 

[eurekastar]

I would have not problem buying that one-speed machine if the price is right...but I personally don't think it's worth $225, unless it is in pristine condition.  As noted earlier, the Maytag Fabricmatic system for gentle wash works very well.  Just don't shove the machine full of clothes, use a higher water setting to allow for gentle circulation, and let intermittent soaking to its work in combination for the detergent enzymes.  I once owned a 1-speed A407 with Gentle and Permanent Press and loved it! 

 

[catlady4ever]

goatfarmer - I think I will try to dicker on price next weekend as it is at the flea market. Too expensive for even just the physical condition, let alone unknown mechanical condition.

eurekastar - We agree the price is too high. Will offer less next weekend as it is at a flea market and closed on weekdays.

qus-dan - Holding out for a two speed will be my next option after I make a lower priced offer next weekend. No real rush. It just seems this site combined with knowing they don't make the non motherboard controlled machines anymore, is influencing me.