Product review (1 stars): Washer broke in less than 2 years- Cost to fix price of a new unit
In October of 2011 I purchased a Whirlpool washing machine WTW4850XQ0 for the price of $449.  Two weeks ago, less than two years from the purchase date, the machine stopped working properly.  I called the authorized whirlpool service and they diagnosed the problem was the result of a broken bearings in the gear case, the price to fix it almost $400.  I called whirlpool customer service and they said they were sorry but they couldn't do anything.

I told them I was a single person and I never had a load heavier than bed sheets.  Why then did the bearing break in less than 2 years?  They said they didn't know but that was why they recommend people to buy their extended warrantee when they purchase their products.  Because I hadn't paid the extra money my punishment was to replace the washing machine at my own cost.

Of course they can do this because as it turns out all other manufactures offering the same size and price range are also part of Whirlpool Corporation.

So as the result I have to either spend almost the price of a new machine to repair this or buy a new machine after less than 2 years.  What is sad is that customers like me who cannot buy big and expensive appliances have no other real choices because Whirlpool is the parent company for all other with similar appliances.