Our Panasonic Aquabeat washer (made in Thailand) fully died on me, just after only 2 years of use.
In early December 2009, my spouse and I went to shop for washing machines, since Christmas sale was already on. We browsed through and queried Best Denki, Courts and Harvey Norman stores.
Only Harvey Norman happened to offer trade-in promo price for certain LG washer models at the moment. But only for 3 specific models. There were not many to choose from.
So we bought an LG F-1422-TD 8KG "direct-drive" front-loading washing machine, after much thought and consideration. It was made in Korea.
At first, we had wanted to buy a Bosch or Electrolux. But the salesman was kind enough to tell us that most such European brands of washers were now made in Thailand, instead.
And he said that if we still preferred to buy a European brand, it would be much wiser to select its VERY high-end model. Because only then, would that particular model likely be NOT made in or assembled in Thailand.
In fact, Miele (fully made in Germany) is the best brand of all. However, the issue is: In UK, Miele is offered at least 7 years warranty, whereas in Singapore a Miele washer was only offered a miserable 1 year warranty.
But then, Miele is built to last for at least 20 years. I have also read of someone's review on the internet that his Miele washer has lasted him for 40 years! And it was still in great working condition!!
My, ...talk about quality. Each Miele washer undergoes numerous strict quality control test runs in their Germany factory. Miele was also a family-run business. Singapore is the Asian HQ for Miele...
http://www.miele.sg/
However, I reckon that if a Miele were to display some minor parts problems (well, you never know) after the Singapore 1-year warranty period is over, then the repair and service cost may be rather high. Say, starting from a few hundred dollars and above? For this is a prestige brand, after all.
Anyway, we bought our LG machine at $999, after agreeing to trade-in with our spoilt Panasonic washer. Otherwise, the usual price is at least $1200~1300++, WITHOUT the trade-in. Your trade-in washer can be of any brand, of any model and of any condition.
The delivery men will send the new LG washer to your house, and carry away your trade-in washer for you. Good for us, since my spouse and I were worried about carrying our heavy spoilt washer to dispose it ourselves. $999, WITH trade-in.
Perhaps, the trade-in is for their recycling or environment-friendly disposal purposes. I am not too sure.
I don't know how long this promotion will last, but you can go down to any Harvey Norman store to check out yourself. They "claimed" that the washing machine 'motor' was "10 years warranty", while the washing machine itself was 2 years warranty. I do not know how true it is.
Hopefully, this new washer will last longer than my old one this time.
