Should I buy an extended warranty on my Kenmore (Sears) washing machine?

[MichaelD]

I purchased it in Sep 2000. The regular 1-year warranty has run out. They mailed me (yesterday) an application for an extended warranty. 100% parts and labor for $70/year.

Parts for a washing machine are hideously expensive....but I could do the labor myself...I think. I mean, I've rebuilt car engines, motorcycle engines, built a few computers, changed the belt in the vacuum cleaner; how hard could it be?

They are offering me a 3-year warranty for $225+tax. Prolly around $250, total. Should I do it?

ps
The washing machine is running fine and dandy.

 

[glenn1]

Seeing that ~$250 is about half the price of a near top-of line model Kenmore washing machine anyway, I'd take your chances, and buy a new one if the need arose.

 

[kranky]

Extended warranties are usually a bad investment. For what it's worth, I have a Kenmore washing machine which is 14 years old and it has never needed any service.

Sears will also push the free maintenance check that is included with the extended warranty, but you would have to remember to call them to come in and do it. You probably won't remember. That's how I get them to quit pushing. I just say "The free check is a great idea - will you call me a month before the agreement expires to remind me to schedule it?" They'll say no, and so do I.

 

[MichaelD]

Good rationale there, gentlemen. Thanks very much. I never, ever buy extended warranties on electronics...I know that's a complete ripoff, but w/the wahing machine, I wasn't sure. Now I am. Have a great day.

 

[Migroo]

I'd say buy the warranty if its US made

hehe j/k

 

[StageLeft]

My advice is that they are making money on the warranty statistically and so I would only ever buy one on something that you really can't afford to have break down because it would be so much money all in one go, such as the powertrain on a car. For less expensive items don't bother.

 

[Tauren]

I would only buy an extended warranty for a vehicle. If you are mechanically inclined and have any working knowledge of appliances, forget the warranty. And if you don't just ask your friendly Anandtech ex-comercial appliance repairman.

 

[Pliablemoose]

No, they're pretty reliable, looking @ your rigs in your signature, if you're capable of building a PC, washing machine repair is a cakewalk, go buy a set of nut-drivers @ Home Depot & take your old one apart & look @ how simple it is...

Most expensive repair I've had was $125, had the repair guy come out & diagnose it for $50 and then I ordered the part from Sears for $75 & installed it myself, very simple. If something major wears out, it'll be in 5-7 years & you'll want a new washing machine anyway (and your extended warranty will have expired)