Should I Buy a used Miele W1986 and dryer T1576

[needtowash]

Hi,
I need a new washing machine. I'm terrified of buying any of the machines on the market which have only a 1 year warranty and are bound to break down not long after warranty expires. None of them are obviously built to last, not to mention they don't work very well.

I bought a used Miele vacuum six years ago and it's still going strong so I'm a Miele enthusiast.

I found a used Miele washer Novotronic W1986 and dryer Novotronic T1576. I don't know how old they are and the person selling them said that "they were a gift from a client" so they don't have any info about them. I'll have to pay to have my plug converted and $220 for a Miele Installation, $110 to have them maitenenced and finally a few hundred to have them moved.

I don't even know if these machines work since the person selling them can't plug them in and hasn't used them.

My question out there to the community is should I risk it and buy this set and hope that they work? Is this a crazy idea? I guess I'm desperate to get a Miele and that is why I'm considering the risk. Buying a new machine with a 1 year warranty from my local Sears is also a risk.

I'm new to this whole thing. The kenmore washer and dryer I currently have were bought used and have had no problems for the last 10 years but the washer just died. I know they don't even make these American brands even that good anymore as the one I have now. That's why I don't want to go there and started to look for used Miele.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ozzie908]

I can testify to Miele's longevity etc but maybe Laundre

would be able to make a better judgement as she has her own ones )

Austin

 

[launderess]

Those are great machines

But I'd be leery of purchasing anything sight unseen unless you are committed for the long haul.

Purchased both my Miele washer and latest AEG set sight unseen (eBay) and was willing therefore to take my chances. Sellers indicated at least the things were working "last time used" but on both occasions units arrived needing several hundreds in investment before that was true.

Problem is Miele is a captive market for parts and perhaps service. If you feel you can do any work that will take some of the edge off, but Miele spare parts are dear, and there is only one source, MieleUSA. If you are savvy parts can be found from overseas but that is a whole other ball of wax.

Those Miele units are from the 1990's the last built like tanks/old school units. Today's Miele laundry appliances are still very well made, but you'll notice a difference.

Spending <$1000 all together for a Miele W&D set is a good deal. The washer alone cost nearly $2000 when new back in the day. If Miele is doing the installation they will check both units to see if anything is wrong.

 

[needtowash]

On the fence

Launderess, many thanks for your insights. Just the information I was hoping for.
I'm on the fence, but haven't even heard back from the sellers. I think they think they have a gold mine on their hands but I'm not sure how many people out there will be willing to take the risk and invest.
Will let you know what happens.
Thanks again

 

[jerrod6]

I have had a Miele 1986 since 2003. I love this machine. Paying to have 220V run to it was the best decision laundry wise I have made. Among the things I like are that you get to choose your cycles based on fabric type. You have Cottons, perma press, dress shirts, jeans, silk, wool, and delicates. Within each of these types you then select the temperature of the wash you want to use. You don't have to worry about the machine reaching this temperatures, because it has a 2600 watt heater that is very fast. I can do a complete 190F wash in 56 minutes.

You can also program it to use more water in the wash, more in the in the wash and rinses and you can also add an extra rinse.

Since it has a heater it also has a prewash that starts with a cold fill to deal with stains. Near the end of the prewash the heater heats the water to about 100F, then the water is drained and the wash is started at whatever temp you have selected.

You can also skip parts of a cycle if you need to.

The final thing about this washer is that you get two choices of cycle types. The default cycle is about 41 to 49 minutes at 104F, 120F and 140F, and this cleans most soils fine. There is another option named Extended. Using this gives a European length of cycle so the wash is long the rinses and longer...everything is longer. I use this for very heavily soiled whites.

I have had one service call for this machine and that was to replace the inlet fill valve that had corroded due to hard water. This is the control panel right side
[this post was last edited: 1/24/2014-22:29]

 

[jerrod6]

Control Panel left side:[this post was last edited: 1/24/2014-22:30]

 

[jerrod6]

This is the second rinse. A spin, third rinse, and final spin follows this one. As you see the machine uses enough water to rinse.

During the rinses and if the temp is over 120F in the wash the door is locked and cannot be opened until the water drains. This protects against burns and for the rinses since the water rises up the door glass this also protects against a water disaster.

Got a smaller load - the machine will automatically reduce the cycle time if it detects this and everything is still clean.

The only thing is that you cannot be sure what condition the machine is in but and if you move it the shipping structs should be inserted in the back to prevent the tub from moving around until the machine is in place. You are in California but I don't know what part but there is some Miele service available and they still carry parts for the machine. I don't remember the cost stated but It might be worth a try.

I know I will try to keep fixing my machine until it cannot possibly be fixed.

 

[tomturbomatic]

All of the contingencies of the purchase aside, you would love the machine. I love mine.

 

[needtowash]

Thanks All

Great information.
Thanks for your time and help!