Product review (3 stars): odd noise just after warranty expired
edit: the problem seems to have self-fixed, with a bit of jiggling the agitator back and forth. i'm not sure what it was, but i'm keeping a close eye (and ear) on the machine, in case it happens again.

Was working nicely, doing a good job of washing clothes- but then one day, a couple of months after the warranty expired, it made a couple of crack-KLUNK noises a few seconds apart. Paused the cycle, opened the drum- the agitator will spin freely in one direction as though there's a broken connection to the drum/motor. Gonna repair it myself if at all possible, but to echo the sentiments of the other reviewers here- do not buy anything Maytag.
If it can't be repaired for cheap, it's gonna be replaced with one from a company with known-to-be-excellent customer service. I've had very good experiences with Sears/Kenmore regarding reliable appliances, decently long warranties, and even giving some leeway when something broke down just after warranty ended.
Would like to know what Maytag have to say about this washing machine.