Product review (2 stars): Gets the job done, but some hassles
I have had this machine since November 2002, and I am glad that it has lasted this long.  I bought it after our daughter was born, because I figured we'd be doing a lot of small loads of laundry all the time, and we were always running out of quarters for the landlord's machines.  I still use it for almost all of our laundry, but only because I am incredibly cheap and want to get my money's worth out of it.  It cleans our clothes well, fits nicely into our apartment, hooks up rather easily to our sink (especially since we have it on the dolly), and saves us quarters.
That said, there are several things you should know about this machine before you buy.  First, you will be doing small loads (about 1/2 to 1/4 regular) so you will be doing many more loads than at the laundromat.  Second--you should only use about 1/4 the amount of soap that you regularly use.  Using more will cause a minor flood.  I notice several reviewers mention this.  It took me a while to realize that too much soap in this machine was the problem.  Adjusting the soap level was the key, and I haven't had a problem since.  Third--and this is absolutely the most aggravating thing--this machine does need "baby-sitting" as one reviewer put it.  Unless you are doing a very very small load (and not even then sometime) it will never make it through a spin cycle without going off balance and shutting off.  (and there are 3 spin cycles, so you'll be doing a lot of re-adjusting)  You can't just put the clothes in and come back when it's done, you have to be nearby, if you want it to get through the load.  This is the part I hate most, and the reason for my low rating.  I just can't wait to live someplace where I can buy a washer that will get through an entire cycle by itself.  On a final note, I've had a couple of repair issues, but keep in mind my machine is 2 years old and gets very heavy use.  (...)