Bosch Nexxt 500 or Duet? Lowes or Bernies?

16 years ago

Okay, I am about spent trying to make this decision. My husband doesn't want to read about it or talk about it. The only really bad things I have heard about the Bosch is getting someone to service them, and poor customer service. There is a good appliance center in my area that services them, so that shouldn't be a problem. Word of mouth on this place is excellent.

Lowes has a special, and with rebates, the two machines will cost the same amount. (roughly $898) What are the opinions out there?

The extended service contract is only $79 for four years, which seems like a great deal to insure my investment. I have never dealt with Lowes. How are they? Do they treat their customers well, or just want to make a sale? Bernies says they will always sell for less, but I want good installation etc. I live in western Mass, and would be dealing with the Springfield Lowes and Holyoke Bernies, if that makes any difference.

Thank you in advance for any help you might be able to give! I have been without a washer for 2+ weeks and it feels like an eternity.

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Comments (4)

jcrowley99
16 years ago
I bought my washer from Lowes in Boilingbrook IL. They were fabulous. I started with a Bosch 700 that was defective. They replaced it with a 500 in less than 48 hours of my calling my salesman. 700s are special order at my store and I did not want to wait 2 to 4 weeks without a washer. After the 500 was installed and leveled, and re-leveled, and re-leveled a couple more times, I realized the problem with vibration and walking was my floor, not that the washer was not level. This was confirmed by a friend of mine who is in construction, my floor is apparently too flexible. So, I called my salesman at Lowes. This was about 2 weeks after the purchase. He said to come on in and they would help me pick a machine that would work better for my situation. His suggestions were the Whirlpool Duet or the Whirlpool Cabrio. He said the Duet has a better suspension system than the Bosch, so it often works better when vibration is a problem. The Cabrio does not have the vibration issues FLers do since it is an HE TLer. I went with the Cabrio. I was assured that if I wanted to try the Duet, if it caused too much vibration they would exchange that for the Cabrio. I decided to go right to the Cabrio. As nice as their delivery people were, I was getting tired of seeing them! The Cabrio has been a great choice for me. I love it, it works great, and it does not vibrate at all, even at top speed (1,000 rpm I believe). So if you think vibration could be a problem, you might want the Duet. And if you go with Lowes, get the extended warranty. It is a small amount for your piece of mind knowing that if you do have a problem you just call the 800 number.

Oh yes, Between my initial purchase of the 700 to my ending up with the Cabrio, Lowes lost about $500. They were pleasant, easy to work with, and did everything in their power to make me happy. My salesman still stops to talk with me any time I am in the store and I see him. Don't expect too much from any installer in the way of leveling, they usually just eyeball it and make sure the machine does not rock. Lowes did offer to send out a repair guy to level mine when it became a problem, I just had a friend who knew what to do help me. When you go to the store, make sure they will back the machine, and see how long you have to exchange if you are unhappy with your purchase (as opposed to there being a problem with the machine). My salesman at Lowes said you have 1 month at Lowes, although sometimes the will give you a hard time after a couple weeks. He suggested just putting up a fuss if there was a problem, I did not have to do that.
frankie57
16 years ago
I'm another happy Lowes customer. They were wonderful to do business with. I too bought a Bosch 500 from them which I had to return after 5 weeks with a broken strut. When I called the saleman to tell him the news from the repair guy he told me he'd have another one out to me ASAP. I rejected the replacement in my driveway due to a dent and scratches the delivery guys were great about it, matter of fact he said he knew I wouldn't want it. The salesman once again was great told me he'd order another right away. The third one I had for 4 months I had problems with the drum making thumping noises and being off center. Both of the machines also vibrated something terrible. I had called the saleman a few times to talk to him about it and one day I ran into him at the store and he asked how it was going with the Bosch. I told him I still was having problems and wasn't that happy. He said I needed to be happy so to return the Bosch and pick something else out. This was 4 months later! I did return the Bosch and got the Whirpool duet sport 8500, I've had it for 7 months, no vibrations, no other problems either.

I will buy from Lowes again, they were great. But I agree the delivery guys are very nice but they really don't do much. They are basically just delivery guys not installers. You'll probably have to do everything but hooking up the hoses yourself.
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I'll have to check at the library for the latest Consumer Reports reviews on washers. I am limited as to what Lowes carries because that is where the gift card will originate. We have looked at the new Bosch Vision 500 and they look cheap not as nice as the original Nexxt series. We looked at the Samsung, and the Electrolux. We both like the Electrolux, reversible washer door (which works well for our setup), it has prewash, larger capacity which helps in washing pants and shirts weekly. At this point, I do not know what's wrong with it. They tech is putting a new motherboard and motor controller board and I'm going to ask him if this does not work that we both speak to Lowes and get it replaced. We paid 999 for the washer and I bet there will be that much in repairs after this time. I will always get extended warranties on anything electronic these days when they come with a lot of moving parts. Dishwasher, washers and dryers are key to these warranties. Also, does anyone know what they do with the set? Do they take them or do I need to discard them myself. If they let me keep them, I might give them to a friend who is in need of a washer/dryer. Maybe she will get it repaired and working correctly who knows. Matt Spfd IL.
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jessyf
16 years ago
trillium: I know Lowes is running a special for $100 this weekend. Any other rebates? I can't find one for Bosch.
quovadis123
16 years ago
Guys
you can get 10% off all lowes appliances if you go see the mnager, and convince him.
Then you get an additional 10% off on your lOWES CARD.
The only two other things you will need is a power cord $17 and a new duct and clamps $10.
Total for Bosch nexxt 500 platinum in Lowes s hould be $1'801.39...
The white model is even cheaper...but who wants white when there's platinum?
If this thing had wheels i would drive it around town it looks so hot !!

Bosch Nexxt 500 or Duet? Lowes or Bernies?

Comments (4)

jcrowley99

frankie57

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