used Maytag LA211, LDE612 - good buy?

[dragonwielder]

Hi there,
I'm new to this community, and I'm about to purchase my first, very own washer and dryer for my apartment. I thought it would be a good idea to learn as much as I could about them before buying, and this seemed like the best place to look for advice!

My coworker is selling his Maytag LA211 Series 11 washer (top-load) and Maytag LDE612 Series 02 front-load dryer. According to a chart I found, the washer is from 1990 and the dryer from 1985. He used them for about a year and then when he moved house he stored them in his garage - they have been sitting since October 2012. He told me the belts had been replaced before he got them, and he replaced the seals on the hoses while he was using them. He also said he'd had no issues in the year he used them, and winterized the washer pump (with RV antifreeze for water pumps) when he put them in storage.

So, I have a few questions:
-Are these machines going to be fairly reliable and durable? I typically only do a couple loads every few weeks, so I won't be putting them through heavy-duty use.
-Is the storage period likely to have harmed them at all? [We live in southeastern WI - humid summers, cold winters.] Is there any maintenance I should probably do before using them?
-What's the best way to transport them?

For what it's worth - I'm a girl in my mid-20s, and consider myself somewhat handy. While I don't know much about appliances, I am willing to learn and to tackle maintenance myself as long as I've got clear, easy-to-follow instructions and the right tools.

Thanks, and let me know if I need to give you any more information! I'm working on getting photos of the machines.
Emily

 

[goatfarmer]

That should be a decent set for your needs.  IMHO, always best to transport upright, but laying them down on their backs for a short while shouldn't be a problem.

 

[dragonwielder]

photos!

Thank you, goatfarmer! Upright seemed to be the consensus among most sites I looked at in a google search.

I have a couple pictures now from the current owner; posting one of the pair.

 

[combo52]

Transporting a pair Of Classic Maytags

There should be absolutely no problem moving either or both of these machines on there backs or sides, happy laundering.

 

[akronman]

moving

I drive each machine home in the back of my hatchback, one at a time, laid on it's side. If I had to rent a truck, I'd never have started this hobby.

 

[dragonwielder]

moving tips

Thanks for all the responses! Hoping all will go smoothly

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Classic Maytags

That set should serve you well.  The only ones I know of that would be more reliable would be Direct Drive Whirlpool or Kenmore machines.  As others have said yes you can transport them on their sides.  Happy washing, you've found some good machines.

WK78