I was honestly thinking of just taking the darn washer and telling them I would replace it with a new one, but at 6 years old I am not sure that is the wisest thing to do.

If you love the washer that much, if it's been that good to you, I think I might do this.

I am the grateful owner of a Maytag Bravos w/d set -- bought them last year -- and I absolutely love them. Though it might be a pain, I'd most likely take them with me if I were to move.

I checked out prices of new washers and they are the same as they were 6 years ago. I have to agree with my husband that to take a 6yr old machine and purchase the same new one for new new owners is silly. While 6 yrs old is not old for a washer(I hope, since the Maytag I had before lasted 25 years) I would be better off with new. I'm trying to research the current Kenmore f/l and not finding much info. and I really know nothing about the washers that are top rated. I just subscribed to Consumer Reports online and will be doing more research as will go to Sears and see what they have.

Compared to your 6-year-old machine, a new one might wash at cooler temperatures, use less water, and use the internal heater (if any) less aggressively. That adds up to lower energy and water consumption, but possibly worse performance.

What were the features on it you like the best? Are you only looking to buy from Sears? Which model did you have? Are you committed to FL or are you interested in TL HE-TL? Are you looking only at Kenmore brand or open to others? Capacity? Any budget limitations? Do the washer & dryer need to match?

There's a lot of happy people out there. I'm sure you can find something you will like if you first know what you're looking for. I do understand your quandry. It's hard to give up something that's worked so well.

I bought about a year ago. The Kenmore and Whirlpool Duet FLs (not the sport -- the larger ones) seemed to still be well thought of then. I heard good things from salesmen, the repair tech and readers here -- but the Duet Sports are apparently a different animal. I didn't get the Duet though -- in part becuse of hte bug-eye design and the fact that is stuck out further than any other and I have limited space.

Samsung gets fewer comments, but they seem to be mostly good. Electrolux is newer to the scene.

I got LG FLs and love them. The can do a quick wash or s simple rinse and spin if that's all that's needed, and allergy removing steam wash, a sanitizing cycle, perma press cycle, bulky, delicates, hand wash, normal -- and I think I've used most of the cycles -- more so than on my DW where I could have a single cycle and be almost as happy. The newest model came out a month or two after I bought ine (after 2 months of no washer 00 wasn't waiting for a little extr size I wasn't sure if I needed). I recently washed 50+ tshirts in a single load (removing the sizing and any excess dye before they are worn in a July 4th parade).

They are amazingly quiet and smooth. We wash laundry for 2 adults, 2 teen boys, 2 large dogs (towels and bedding), comforters, sleeping bags, my mom's laundry, band uniforms during marching season -- it's all been good. The only thing I'm not sure of is whether I can felt anything successfully in them. I can't remember if my last effort was in the old no-agitator TL or this FL. I can make do on the occassional project -- I'm very happy with the regular washing and drying. If the laundry only folded itself....