The only whitegood I've ever bought was a freezer*, for like $300, I thought a washing machine was about the same price because they are the same size, but they are a lot more. It's a sort of big decision. So I've spent the day flapping around, because decisions are hard and I just want to settle as soon as possible but also not regret my choice. (Speaking of which, you can just join Choice and read their reviews and tests, D said it was worthwhile if you are buying a lot of big stuff.)
In my online research of various washing machine brands and types, I discovered that people really don't like it when their whitegoods break down. It's not like a car, which you expect to break down and where the NRMA comes to you quickly, tow trucks arrive at the speed of light, or you drive it yourself to a mechanic. It's all normal. If your fridge or washer breaks down (and bear in mind that you will not service it regularly like a car, so breakdowns will probably happen), you spend time on the phone to customer service, and then wait for a repair man, and in the meantime you can't wash or your food goes off and there is nothing you can do about it. Except get online and give bad reviews. It's a dodgy business. Extended warranties seem worth it, $40 per year for some peace of mind. Although things like $200 rubber seals on doors aren't included because they are "wear and tear". Oooh, they're tricky.
I narrowed my search down to a top loader and 2 front loaders based on reviews on productreview.com.au and based on what I could find at some online retailers with good discounts. Online seems an OK way to buy a washer. It's not like I need to judge picture quality, it's just a boring white box, and you can't take a load of towels to Harvey Norman and test them out—so you are buying on written specification and customer reviews either way. The only reason would be if you have a trailer and want to save on delivery (and appliancesonline has free delivery to some areas).
So that's how I'm doing it. If anything goes wrong, I shall update you.
*The lesson I learnt from that experience was, DELIVERY MATTERS if you are a single person. The sales men will put it in the back of your station wagon for you, but who will get it out? And the only man I knew in the whole Southern Highlands was my boss.
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Hi, I found when I had to purchase a lot of white goods, that a subscription to choice was really helpful.
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