Thoughts on an older, gentle used, washer and dryer?

[jimmyrules712]

I'm in the market for a washer and dryer and I'd like to spend as little as possible. I was leaning towards a Roper (made by whirlpool) set for $700 total but I found a used set on craigslist close by for $75 total.

It's a 10 year old Maytag set owned by a 96 year old widow who is moving to a retirement home and supposedly has hardly used them. (her son is selling tem). I called them and for what it's worth feel like they're trustworthy.

Thoughts on the risk and possible poor performance of an older set like this?

[asmom]

I just got rid of my old washer and dryer. I could not believe the difference in my water bill. It was significantly lower. Additionally, both the washer and dryer are so much more efficient in terms of my time, it's amazing. I am glad I made the investment.

I have a family of four if that makes a difference.

[disneysteve]

I guess it really depends. If your goal is to spend as little as possible, that could be a good deal. Just keep in mind that they are probably nearing the end of their lifespan. Of course, you might get another 5 or more years out of them. asmom makes a good point about efficiency so keep that in mind. A cheaper purchase price but a higher operating cost can turn out to not be such a good deal in the long run.

[MonkeyMama]

I personally only bought used appliances until later in life. The first washer/dryer I bought lasted 5 years+ and I left with my roommates (so not sure how long they lasted). Was in that price range. Was probably on the newer end.

Grandma sold us her 1970s era washer/dryer and one of them died after 5 years (almost 2 years of daily washings with cloth diapers). It might have even been easily fixable, but we were ready to buy new ones at that point. (Um, they don't make them like they used to! Some of the older models may last longer, honestly).

I've had great experiences going used. Prices are good because the market is flooded with used appliances. Moreso today with all the foreclosures, etc.

Though our energy efficient washer/dryer is cheaper to run, it's not a huge or very noticeable difference. That said, our water was not metered when we had the old washer/dryer, so water bill stayed the same. Energy bill maybe went down $5 - $10 per month. Not enough to justify the cost of new versus used solely on that factor.

I'd absolutely pick up the used models.

[marvholly]

That Roper set sounds REALLY high $$$ compared to what I paid for Roper 8 years ago even allowing for some inflation. I would shop around and see if I could do better.

Buying used is only a bargain if:
you can move yourself w/o having to rent a truck and/or buy friends gas/beer/pizza to help
do all the install yourself (you will need new connector lines for water, gas & vent new or used)

[shanecurran]

The way energy prices are going right now, I would opt to spend more up front on an efficient machine.