Maytag Dependable Care - reopened

joefuss1984 · Aug 3, 2012

OK, so this was talked about back in May. I have been doing some research and have questions.

We had talked about the last true DC Maytag being an LAV3600. I noticed there was also and LAT3600. What were differences in these and was there in significant difference between the LAT's and the LAV's?

When did they add the "corkscrew" agitator? What product line or machine styling?

Does anyone have any of the information/sales brochures on these models, even the mid 90's models as well?

I notice at some point they stopped using the two screws to hold the front on. I am trying to determine how to spot a true DC from pictures vs. ones that are of another design.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

foraloysius · Aug 3, 2012

I'm not sure but IIRC the LAV lacked the warm rinse that the LAT3600 had.

repair-man · Aug 3, 2012

I can tell you that the corkscrew (LoadSensor) agitator started in the fall of 1996 on what was at the time called the Dependable Care 97 line in the sales literature. This was also the intro to the new more slanted panel that remained all the way to the end of the line. The machine front was now flat all the way down. No more toe kick area with the screws angled up at 45 degrees. But originally it still had the two screws. The models I can remember LAT9206, LAT9306 (LAT9316 special dealer model), LAT9406 (LAT9416 special),LAT9606 (LAT9616 special), LAT9706, and LAT9806.

repair-man · Aug 3, 2012

The models before the 97 line still had the same basic panel shape that went all the way back to the first non center dail machines in 1980. IIRC most of the model numbers ended in 4's like LAT9334AAE and they all switched to 6's on the 97 line. The 9 at the beginning of the number signified it was a large tub model. We where told at the intro meeting that the LAT9606 model number was a tribute to one of if not the best selling Maytag models ever the A606. Not sure if its true. The Maytag sales reps didn't want to even tell us (the dealers) that the new line had corkscrew agitators. We where told for years to bash the Kenmore and later Whirlpool machines with these agitators. That's why Maytag called it a Load Sensor so that they could say it was different but I could never see any real difference. The Maytag people basically said they had to cave in to Consumers Report because they likes the Kenmore/Whirlpool was action and would not give Maytag a good rating with the straight agitator. A lot of dealers had Kenmore direct drives in the store with the front cut open next to a DC for comparison. We where also told to bash the cheap plastic outer tubs until the first Performas came along. Looking back I think the 97 line was truely the beginning of the end.

joefuss1984 · Aug 8, 2012

Ed, was the 97 line without the front screws, still front serviceable? I remember having a newer GE and the front just snapped on. If they were not front serviceable how did one work on them?

sadie0522 · Oct 27, 2017

LAT 9316 AAE

Since my current washing machine no longer works, I have been offered this machine to replace my current washer.

I'm told that it has had very limited use, and has been in storage for several years.

Please provide any feedback on the LAT 9316 AAE.

What would be a reasonable price to offer?

Thank you in advance.