Your valued opinions on 4 potential vintage-ish machines for regular use...

[firedome]

So... we're buying a house in Denver, moving from Central NY. The Whirlpool Duet there is already having hot-water filling issues (cold is ok) and it's a good excuse to replace it as we, outliers that we are, still prefer a TL so it would have been replaced anyhow.

The following 4 machines are potential replacements at around the same price (150-200), and would like your opinion as to:

Which would be best for regular use by 2 people considering:
- durability
- reliability/simplicity (all mechanical controls a must!)
- availability of parts
- design/cleaning ability

also approx date/age of each? ('80s to '90s?).

W1 Roper (WP era?)
W2 Hotpoint (GE)
W3 Whirlpool
W4 Maytag


We'd get a new SQ but... it's gotta be used, at least for now.
Price matters because having bought a 3rd house while keeping the existing ones for now, funds are tight right now...so we're looking for value!

What say ye? Which would you buy to use (hopefully well into the future).

I'm leaning towards one in particular, but let's hear your take!
RA in NY

 

[phillymatt53]

Hot water filling issues sometimes are due to calcium buildup on the little screen filters inside the hot water hose or inside the washer's threaded connection.
It'll look like powdery or crusty white crap, clean it out carefully and try again.

 

[maytag85]

I’d go for the Maytag. Direct drives are harsh on items and have issues with lint.

Filter Flos are good but use a bit more water, biggest reason I wouldn’t use one on a daily basis since the brake assembly can punch a hole through the transmission causing 2 quarts of oil to spill onto the floor making a big mess.

 

[gizmo]

The Duet probably just needs a new hot water fill valve, they are cheap and easy to replace so give it a try.
If, after using the Duet for a few weeks/months, it doesn't win you over, then replace it later.