privatelyprivat
Member
I’ve been lurking (dreaming) on this site months (thank you for all the invaluable info, everyone!!!) I never thought I’d so lucky as to have something to contribute! Our 4th dishwasher in 10 years conked out in July, and with no money to invest in yet another expensive piece of garbage, i took I to the online classifieds for at least a cheap piece of garbage. It must have been kismet — newly listed THAT day in a town only 40 min away, in a condo development my husband had once lived in, was this barely used 1982 Whirlpool SHU400 series dishwasher for $25. My husband would never have agreed to paying what this treasure was REALLY worth so this was even MORE incredibly lucky. Although in the 2 months we’ve had it, its 35-min cycle and the impeccable cleanliness of our dishes have convinced the usually anti-second-hand man of its value. I’ll learn on here about its maintenance as it demands it and I’m NEVER leaving it behind if we move. I’ve never cared so much or been so attached to an appliance in my life. It reminds me of my mom’s Harvest Gold 1970s Kenmoore which that also had the utensil rack on the door and lasted her 30+ years with 4 kids and their countless friends filling it up and abusing it for decades. So of course, I prefer that panel color for mine even though it matches nothing in my kitchen. Lol. What do you guys think? It also has an almond panel I’m not too keen on and it came out white on pics so I didn’t bother uploading it.
So why was it in near mint condition with even the manual intact? The original owner (whose kind neighbor was selling it online) purchased in 1982 and was a widow in her late 60s. She lived alone and used it once a week for 36 years before moving to assisted living this summer. Its minimal use was practically mere maintenance for preservation. I cleaned very little “kitchen dirt” off the exterior and minor superficial rust on the motor’s surface and boom. Installed and running, purring like a kitten. Even the HOSES were still in great shape! After our child getting sick from our previous piece of garbage’s poor performance and having no budget for a new one, this sucker is a godsend. I’m SO thankful for it AND all you wonderful people on this website!
So why was it in near mint condition with even the manual intact? The original owner (whose kind neighbor was selling it online) purchased in 1982 and was a widow in her late 60s. She lived alone and used it once a week for 36 years before moving to assisted living this summer. Its minimal use was practically mere maintenance for preservation. I cleaned very little “kitchen dirt” off the exterior and minor superficial rust on the motor’s surface and boom. Installed and running, purring like a kitten. Even the HOSES were still in great shape! After our child getting sick from our previous piece of garbage’s poor performance and having no budget for a new one, this sucker is a godsend. I’m SO thankful for it AND all you wonderful people on this website!
)
I’ll certainly look into it as mine age though! 
