Haxisfan
Sorry didn't mean to scare you. Mine was probably a lemon - also this is going back about 5 years now.
If I remember correctly, in all, the machine lasted just about 2 years
The first 2 cracks in the drum were within the warranty period, the last time it went was when the machine was out of warranty - IIRC somewhere between 18-24 months.
I could have pushed down the "it has not lasted a reasonable amount of time, sales of goods act route" but I was young and naive, also my over zealous mother in law just went and bought a new machine to replace it.
I'm sure (also I hope lol) that yours will be fine, and mine was just a lemon. Although I haven't/wouldn't consider buying another Hoover washer now.
My Mum used to (until very recently) swear by Hoover washers, she had the Hoover Nextra Front Loader for 10-12 years, with only minor repairs - motor brushes etc. Then 2 years ago, she replaced it with a Hoover VisionHD Front Loader and now that's messed up. Suppose its the old adage they don't make them like they used to.