Cookaholics Bulletin Board

All,

I've based my experience on old vs. new on the dishwashers a number of friends and relatives have had. Like my MIL got a new KitchenAid just 5 years ago and the darned thing is already breaking down.

But $550 gives me a good amount to trade off on. If the cost of the repair creeps above the $250 line, we'll consider getting a new one.

What's wrong currently are pretty minor things:

• Door does not latch anymore because the spring on the door latch is broken.
• Soap compartment doesn't open around 1/2 the time
• Need to clean internal filters so that the top rack sprayer will work better.
• Broken post on the lower rack

So I think it's worth repairing. If we fixed it, it could last another 10 years. I'd try to repair these myself, but clear docs on this model are hard to find (esp. since the model number has worn off) and the door is not meant to come apart easily.

It it's too expensive to repair, though ... Maytag, I guess.

I strongly disagree on $250 being the cutoff - much too high. I have had my KA for 12 years with no problems and it cost less than $500. New machines use less energy, less water, make far less noise, and clean more thoroughly. Anything over zero is too much but if you need a dollar amount I would prefer it be $50 or at the VERY most $100. Why are you generalizing from a specific of one?

Wino,

My MIL isn't the only person who's been disappointed in her new DW. The person who sold this one to me tried to buy it back.

C'est la vie...