I've recently moved into a new home and the 8-year-old dishwasher is not cleaning my dishes. Water is hot during the cycle, both the top and bottom spray units turn easily, but dishes not only do not get clean, they come out with black and/or rust specks on them . The heating element looks burned in a couple of places -- a friend looked at it and said the element is fried (nice technical description, huh?).

I have a Home Warranty, but it has a deductible. I know nothing about appliances, and am uncertain whether I should attempt to have it repaired or just put the money a repair call would cost me toward a new unit.

Thanks for any advice.
Vee