Maytag washing machine - model PAV2300 - purchased Dec., 2000 - transmission failed - upset with Maytag quality

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on February 26, 2003:

From: Pitts William MSgt Det3 29 TSS [Email User]

RE: Maytag washing machine - model PAV2300 - purchased Dec., 2000 - transmission failed - upset with Maytag quality

To whom it may concern, How many times have you thrown your dirty clothes in the washing machine and turned the dial for your desired cycle, just to find out moments later that the "old" washing machine has washed it's last load? Often this occurs at the most inopportune time and it adds frustration and turmoil to today's hustle and bustle lifestyle. However, that is a familiar event with everyone that owns an aging washing machine. All mechanical devices wear/tear and eventually break and we accept that. But, what do you do when the life of your machine ends prematurely? I have recently had this unfortunate experience with my Maytag (PAV2300) washing machine that was purchased in December, 2000. Apparently, I am not the only person that is having major problems with the Maytag washing machine. I found this out after making several calls to authorized service repairmen. One person even remarked "it lasted two years, you are lucky". Evidently the transmission portion of the washer that agitates the clothes is of inferior/defective quality. I also asked if it was smart to get it repaired and I was told that "I would just be dumping money into it". The negative part for the consumer is this: For the do-it-yourselfer the cost of the transmission ranges from $200 to $250. The positive part for the consumer, if you want to call it positive is that Maytag does offer a limited extended warranty for the part, but they will only give the part to an authorized service repairman who charges you a service call fee of $50 to come to your house and an additional $225 for the installation of the part. I am in the military, and my wife is a nurse and we have three children ages 6, 5 & 3. Needless to say we have enough chaos, bills and expenses to support/run our household without a manufacturer like Maytag selling inferior products at a premium price and adding stress to our lives. Their claims of selling an exceptional nearly maintenance free product is far from the truth. I found out the hard way that the reason for the Maytag repairman sitting around in his office without anything to do is because know one can afford to have him keep repairing their machine. We purchased this major appliance based upon an advertisement lie. What is worse, we also bought the matching dryer, and I am not getting positive feedback about it either. If you have other consumer reports about Maytag appliances, could you please warn others before they get caught up in the same dilemma. Also, if there is a major problem like I am experiencing and others with reference to the transmission of their washing machines, shouldn't Maytag be responsible to correct this problem at their expense with the consumer?

Are their any laws that protect the consumer when things like this occur? Of course, I am to blame for not buying an extended warranty. At the time I thought that I was buying the "Cadillac" of washing/drying machines and thought that I would at least get seven to ten years worth of washing/drying with little to no minor repairs based upon Maytag's claims. If I had known what I know now, I would have looked at the Maytag products differently. I ended up purchasing a new Whirlpool washing machine, based upon my conversations with repairmen and yes, I did wise up and purchase the extended warranty. I must say that Maytag is a good looking machine, but beauty will not wash my clothes. Now it is an expensive paper weight stored in my garage. What an expensive lesson learned. Thank you for your time, William Pitts

Bossier City, LA 71112