Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Maytag Neptune...should I buy it?

Old washer shot craps 2 days ago. Began researching for replacement.

I have had nothing but good luck with my Maytag appliances (Dishwasher, Double Oven, Micro, Fridge and Dryer (2 years ago)), so naturally, I went looking for Maytags.

I wanted a top loader that was energy star rated, I looked at Sears, HD, BB and Lowes. Lowes was the only one tht actually had the combo. I was ready to get the MAVT546EWW model for $517, but the sales guy directed my attention to a Neptune (MAH5500BWW) floor model that is on clearance for $595.

I looked at it and decided that based upon options etc, that it was a good buy. Granted, I had not researched this model.

I went ahead and got it and it is to be delivered onThursday (2 days from now). Well, after doing some research, I am highly concerned about this model and am thinking about going back to the original model.

I did buy the extended warranty, so, I do feel confident that any repairs will be covered, but I am not sure if I want to deal with the hassle...of taking time off to have repairs done...

So, from what I can tell this model has these issues..

Control boards
Mold smell
Wax motor problems
Tub not spinning

Now, I have read alot of reviews and they are all most negative. What I don't know is what percentage of these units have failed...I mean, are the 100,000 made and there are 100 complaints?

Consumer reports lists Maytag (all appliances) as the same repair frequency as Kenmore, Whirlpool and GE...roughly about 10%..

Has Maytag done anything to correct these issues. I have no idea how old this unit it as it has been a flloor model..


This is why I am here, to ask repairmen their experiences with this model and maytag....

Any thoughts/ suggestions are appreciated....

Thanks...

Good on ya for checking consumer reports! We have a subscription and wind up finding great tips: everything from dishwasher detergent (the wal-mart house brand is recommended) to diapers.

When we need to purchase something big and I don't know one end from the other, I check consumer reports and buy the "best buy".

If they'll let you return that floor model, I would pick the consumer reports best buy that most closely fits your needs and be done with it. They've done all the asking and testing already.

I usually rely on CR in the past, but with some items, they appear to be slanted one way of the other...especially when it comes to autos. Their rating of other items appear to be less biased....

What's good is the repair records of things. That is not very hard to interpret for yourself.

The Maytag front load washers have a 20% repair rate, which is 2x more than the average...

Let them deliver the machine Thursday-you'll love it! Yes the mold problem has been resolved, realizing all front load washers can have mold in the door seal if used infrequently. Yes the wax door switch problem has been resolved. Control boards are simply printed boards so sometimes voltage spikes or wear and tear take them out. All manufacturers fight board problems but this machine is no more suceptible to board problems than any other brand. You got a great price at $595. You should feel good about this purchase-great machine at a great price.

They have done a good job correcting the problems and that is the same machine I am setting my brother up with. I currently have a GE Harmony set, and I am ready to throw that out the door. You will love the neptune. Check out the CR ratings sometime and notice how sears kenmore tends to be towards the top when they don't manufacture anything. I get a kick out of a sears washer being 1 or 2 and the comparable whirlpool which is the exact same machine might be 2 or three spots down, never higher than a sears.

I can't beleive it!

The washer got delivered on Thursday. Tried to run the first load on Friday PM and it ran and finally stopped with a 'lr' code.

Called Lowe's and they were absolutley no help!

Called the 800 number and the earliest they could send out an repair man is tomorrow.

I am going back to Lowes to pick out a different washer. They can keep this piece of crap!

I am beginning to think that this 'floor' model was actually returned (for the same reason) and the re-sold the friggin thing!

Sorry to hear about that. It probably needs a new motor control board. I didn't notice that you were buying a floor model. They usually work out fine, but I would never buy one myself. Some may get taken apart to rob parts off of and may have scrapes and dents that you don't always see in the store. I wish you would have got a good one, you would have liked it.

Getting NEW MAH6700AWW today.

It actually costs less than the MAH5500!

They gave me 10% off for the problems...

It was reg $849 on sale for $749, less 10% and then a $100 maytag rebate, it nets to $571 or about $25 less...

Hope this one works!