Our Matag (circa 1994-ish) is leaking through the seals. Just to repair what the tech can see is about $300, and he's concerned that since its also not agitating like it should... some water might have gotten into the transmission. Bottom line is that I don't think its worthwhile investing $300+ in a 15 year old machine so we're contemplating buying a new one.

The tech that came out is not a sales guy, they don't sell, only fix machines. I asked him what he'd recommend and he said the Fisher & Paykel brand is one he'd consider as they build a nice product, very efficient, and they've had fewer calls on these vs the newer machines from Matag. He said that our Matag was one of the last well-built ones, and now Whirlpool makes Matag so the guts are the same.

The wife wants a top-loader, stainless basket, smooth running, and one that won't beat the crap out of the clothes. We both want one that is energy and water efficient, and of course... one that is well built. So... any thoughts about the F&P? The model we researched is a IWL16 Intuitive ECO.

Thanks in advance for any/all advice.

Whirlpool owns Maytag but foes not make it. The plants, engineers and designers are still separated. I would buy a top load direct drive washer made by Whirlpool without any computers which is very reliable (compare to others with today quality).

F&P washer is good as long as it works. Any repair will cost you hundreds of $$$ and you are going to be very lucky if you could find a tech who knows how to fix it. And most important in today life - for money you are going to pay for a F&P washer you can buy four or even five Whirlpool washers.

Gene.

Hey Gene & Brian...

Thanks for the input. We went out shopping today, and even though the tech said the F&P was a good choice, my wife didn't like it. I usually like to do this kind of research, but more often than not it's SWR (she who rules) when it comes to these darn things. She doesn't like front loaders and wound up buying a GE Profile. So I'm sorry I even asked at this point because nothing I said had any effect. The wife always gives you the answer that she's the one who will be using it. Whatever.

Its the newer agitator style without a huge center impeller. I'll just cross my fingers and hope it holds up for a few years. The 5-year extended warrnty Lowes has is around $100.00 and it covers all parts and labor. I have 30 days to decide on that. Dunno if it's a gimmick or what.

I know it's been a while on this thread... We used the IWL16 for over 5 years. Initially the double deep rinse didn't work. My wife got a tech to come out and he said the US version didn't support that feature. He swapped out a board (don't know which) and voila, the double deep then worked. We worked the washer hard doing 2 kids worth of cloth diapers. Then just after the warranty ran out the water pump went. A few weeks later its broken again. There is water under the control board so I think it's fried.
I don't recommend this washer.