reliable washer (top loading)?

[Nyc10036]

Our Whirlpool washer purchased in Sept. 2023 has bit the dust with the constant drain pump running problem.
This common problem based on the reviews happens about 1 year+ after purchase.
This particular model of Whirlpool washer is still being sold and I know I don't want to buy it again.
Repair will cost $400.

Our previous washer a different Whirlpool lasted for 8 years; I sold the house in Dec 2023.
The GE washer which was brand new and came with the house ran for about 4 years.

Other than the Speed Queen it seems any other brand is hit or miss.

Any advice?

[enad]

Our Whirlpool washer purchased in Sept. 2023 has bit the dust with the constant drain pump running problem.
This common problem based on the reviews happens about 1 year+ after purchase.
This particular model of Whirlpool washer is still being sold and I know I don't want to buy it again.
Repair will cost $400.

Our previous washer a different Whirlpool lasted for 8 years; I sold the house in Dec 2023.
The GE washer which was brand new and came with the house ran for about 4 years.

Other than the Speed Queen it seems any other brand is hit or miss.

Any advice?

Have you considered a used washer (perhaps even matching dryer)?

We are using a top-loading Maytag washer and matching front loading dryer purchased new in early 1987 (part of their 1986 lineup) and they are working great.

Last year our new neighbors asked us a similar question and we showed them our washer/dryer and they found a model almost identical to ours that was used and paid to have it professionally serviced/cleaned. They love it.

These old units use little to no electronics and have few parts and are easily serviceable.

[Nyc10036]

Our Whirlpool washer purchased in Sept. 2023 has bit the dust with the constant drain pump running problem.
This common problem based on the reviews happens about 1 year+ after purchase.
This particular model of Whirlpool washer is still being sold and I know I don't want to buy it again.
Repair will cost $400.

Our previous washer a different Whirlpool lasted for 8 years; I sold the house in Dec 2023.
The GE washer which was brand new and came with the house ran for about 4 years.

Other than the Speed Queen it seems any other brand is hit or miss.

Any advice?

Have you considered a used washer (perhaps even matching dryer)?

We are using a top-loading Maytag washer and matching front loading dryer purchased new in early 1987 (part of their 1986 lineup) and they are working great.

Last year our new neighbors asked us a similar question and we showed them our washer/dryer and they found a model almost identical to ours that was used and paid to have it professionally serviced/cleaned. They love it.

These old units use little to no electronics and have few parts and are easily serviceable.

Where do you find used washers to get professionally serviced and cleaned?

[enad]

Have you considered a used washer (perhaps even matching dryer)?

We are using a top-loading Maytag washer and matching front loading dryer purchased new in early 1987 (part of their 1986 lineup) and they are working great.

Last year our new neighbors asked us a similar question and we showed them our washer/dryer and they found a model almost identical to ours that was used and paid to have it professionally serviced/cleaned. They love it.

These old units use little to no electronics and have few parts and are easily serviceable.

Where do you find used washers to get professionally serviced and cleaned?

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes established brick & mortar repair shops have used units that were professionally serviced/cleaned for sale

[1moreyr]

or you can buy a speed queen. yes it's more money (around $1100) but they come with a 5 year warranty at no extra cost and probably the last one you will ever buy.

I replaced 3 washers in less than 5 years and said uncle. My wife does wash laundry daily (sometimes 2 loads) as she can't stand the smell of dirty clothes. It's something that bothers her and I was willing to pay almost anything to make it go away

I am only in Year 3 (which is probably like 5 years in any other household) but it's already outlasted 2 whirlpools.

When the 20 year old kenmore dryer died it's final death, I bought a SQ dryer.

[Nyc10036]

Where do you find used washers to get professionally serviced and cleaned?

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes established brick & mortar repair shops have used units that were professionally serviced/cleaned for sale

It's hard to find independent brick and mortar shops and repair people who know what they are doing.

A new controller board for the washer will cost $200, but not only is the labor going to be $150+, I need to find someone who knows how to recalibrate the washer after the new controller board is put it.

[Nyc10036]

or you can buy a speed queen. yes it's more money (around $1100) but they come with a 5 year warranty at no extra cost and probably the last one you will ever buy.

I replaced 3 washers in less than 5 years and said uncle. My wife does wash laundry daily (sometimes 2 loads) as she can't stand the smell of dirty clothes. It's something that bothers her and I was willing to pay almost anything to make it go away

I am only in Year 3 (which is probably like 5 years in any other household) but it's already outlasted 2 whirlpools.

When the 20 year old kenmore dryer died it's final death, I bought a SQ dryer.

Did you buy the top loader or the front loader SQ?

One appliance repair guy did a review on both and he said that the top loader SQ has a smaller tub.

[1moreyr]

or you can buy a speed queen. yes it's more money (around $1100) but they come with a 5 year warranty at no extra cost and probably the last one you will ever buy.

I replaced 3 washers in less than 5 years and said uncle. My wife does wash laundry daily (sometimes 2 loads) as she can't stand the smell of dirty clothes. It's something that bothers her and I was willing to pay almost anything to make it go away

I am only in Year 3 (which is probably like 5 years in any other household) but it's already outlasted 2 whirlpools.

When the 20 year old kenmore dryer died it's final death, I bought a SQ dryer.

Did you buy the top loader or the front loader SQ?

One appliance repair guy did a review on both and he said that the top loader SQ has a smaller tub.

we have a top loader and my wife says she can get plenty in it. it comes with an agitator where the other ones she had didn't. that was an adjustment but worth it from her perspective.

one clue, it has an eco button which was put in to use less water. Our clothes don't get clean with this on.

we leave the eco button off and the clothes are great. water usage is not significant for us.

if that's a big issue for you, at least you know. at first we were frustrated to pay so much for a washer and not clean the clothes. Google solved is as i started to research it why my white socks looked like Heck

all good now.

[Rockman]

We have the Speed Queen top load all mechanical version we purchased in 2012. Never had one issue or service call on it. Great product that I highly recommend. Commercial stainless steel heavy duty tub. I bought the matching dryer also that has been flawless.

[enad]

Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Sometimes established brick & mortar repair shops have used units that were professionally serviced/cleaned for sale

It's hard to find independent brick and mortar shops and repair people who know what they are doing.

We reached out to a local repair guy who did not have a traditional store, but worked out of his barn to work on an old fridge and he repairs washers/dryers and other appliances and had great Google/Yelp reviews. We use it in the garage now as it's huge.

You can read Yelp and Google reviews, try Angi (formerly Angie's List), or a realtor friend who may have contacts that include people who repair washers and dryers. Realtors love to network and refer you to people that are tops. It may not help you now, but sometimes you can find appliances including washer/dryer's at estate sales.

You can also Google: (your area) washer and dryer service repair

[inverter]

Does it have to be top load? Nothing but good things from LG and Miele for me.

We just purchased the 2 in 1 GE Profile unit, but not enough time to determine reliability.

[MindBogler]

or you can buy a speed queen. yes it's more money (around $1100) but they come with a 5 year warranty at no extra cost and probably the last one you will ever buy.

I replaced 3 washers in less than 5 years and said uncle. My wife does wash laundry daily (sometimes 2 loads) as she can't stand the smell of dirty clothes. It's something that bothers her and I was willing to pay almost anything to make it go away

I am only in Year 3 (which is probably like 5 years in any other household) but it's already outlasted 2 whirlpools.

When the 20 year old kenmore dryer died it's final death, I bought a SQ dryer.

+1 for Speed Queen. We recently bought the one with a 7 year warranty. It has an agitator, it uses a ton of water comparatively. The clothes come out clean like we haven't seen in decades.

[enad]

Speed Queen has a no frills version of a washer that has an agitator and carries a 5-year warranty, model TC5003WN

If you have a lot of electronics in your appliances, consider a high quality surge eliminator also known as Series Mode Filters like the Zero Surge 2R15W . They are not cheap, but unlike MOV based surge protectors are not sacrificial (i.e. will not wear out) and carry a 10-year warranty, but will probably last you a lifetime.

[nukem]

My daughter bought a Speed Queen TR3003WN and loves it. She brags on the speed and effectiveness.
It is a top loader and NOT high efficiency.

[MindBogler]

My daughter bought a Speed Queen TR3003WN and loves it. She brags on the speed and effectiveness.
It is a top loader and NOT high efficiency.

Correct. They cycle very quickly. Time is money.

[adamthesmythe]

That's an astonishing record- OP seems to be the Joe Btfsplk of washing machines.

In 40 years of owning a house I have only replaced one washing machine. If I had a problem with a washing machine I couldn't fix myself I would buy a lower-end model from the big box store. The idea of buying a used washer seems...kinda gross and I have no desire to own the Checker Marathon of washing machines.

[Nyc10036]

That's an astonishing record- OP seems to be the Joe Btfsplk of washing machines.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-3-5- ... 1000064061

Pay attention to the reviews which mention owning the washer less than 2 years and the constantly draining issue which is fixed by a bad controller board. There are numerous reviews all over the internet about this problem.

Ignore the 5* reviews from people who just bought the washer. They don't know anything.

The controller board costs about $225 and looks easy to replace based on Youtube videos.

Looks like the $518 version sold at Home Depot has the same issues of needing a new controller board after less than 2 years of use.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-2 ... /304732822

My parents' GE/Hotpoint worked from 1979 until my mom sold the house in 2009!

[Padlin]

Pretty much the same as adamthesmythe. We’ve alway bought top loaders, which ever has the settings my wife wants, all fairly middle of the road, they have all lasted over 10 years, not that I’ve tracked them. You might be a candidate for an extended warranty.

[Nyc10036]

You might be a candidate for an extended warranty.

I disagree.
4 loads a week is not unusual.

Anyway, once this Whirlpool totally craps out, we're buying the Speed Queen.

[B88]

Speedqueen and just forget about it.

[dalbright]

Happy with our speed queen tc5 top loader. Only mod was a clothes pin for the lid shutoff (youtube vids on this). Slightly smaller than our prior terrible samsung front loader but my clothes no longer smell musty and gross after "washing" in front loader. I dont think you will find many other options for a decent new top loader besides them unfortunately. We went with a commercial speed queen dryer, but when researching dryers you had more options besides just speed queen as they all are rather similar in design. Probably 5+ loads a week at our house.

[ClevrChico]

The only alternative to Speed Queen that meets your requirements is likely a Maytag Commercial top loader with a five year warranty. (MVWP586GW)

It is built by Whirlpool with more heavy duty components. It's about $500 cheaper than SQ.

[A440]

We bought a Speed Queen TC5 and are mostly happy with it. I don't think a day goes by when it isn't used.
Two issues:
1) If you over fill it, it leaks water. But this is user error, no fault of the machine.
2) I has an occasional "beep" when not being ran. This requires a new control panel. We haven't had this replaced yet, but will schedule it before the 5 year warranty runs out.

[Nyc10036]

The only alternative to Speed Queen that meets your requirements is likely a Maytag Commercial top loader with a five year warranty. (MVWP586GW)

It is built by Whirlpool with more heavy duty components. It's about $500 cheaper than SQ.

Thanks!
The salesman at a local appliance store had pointed out probably that model or similar model to me.
Temporarily out of stock on Maytag.com

We went with the Whirlpool at Lowe's thinking we'd at least get 8 years out of it like the previous Whirlpool we had purchased from Lowe's.

It is absolutely ridiculous that the Whirlpools with problems at 1+ year are 99.99% related to continuous drain after a cycle completes and requires a replacement of a $225 controller board.
If you buy from Whirlpool you pay even more $357(!) and hope you get $60 of it back if you return the old controller board.
The part is on backorder for 14 calendar days.

[WoostaGal]

Speed Queen has a no frills version of a washer that has an agitator and carries a 5-year warranty, model TC5003WN
...

I've owned this model for about a month and am very happy with it. When I asked the salesperson whether it had an 'Extra Spin' cycle, he laughed and asked if I'd ever owned a Speed Queen. The normal spin cycle is so powerful the 'Extra Spin' cycle is not needed. He told me that most washing machines have a 1/3 hp motor and that this Speed Queen has a 1 hp engine.

[PottedPlant]

He told me that most washing machines have a 1/3 hp motor and that this Speed Queen has a 1 hp engine.

TR7003WN 1 hp
TR5003WN 1/2 hp

[1moreyr]

You might be a candidate for an extended warranty.

I disagree.
4 loads a week is not unusual.

Anyway, once this Whirlpool totally craps out, we're buying the Speed Queen.

as I said, my wife does 7-8 loads a week. I had replaced a kitchen and bought a new washer from Lowes. I bought an extended warranty on all of them. everyone (dishwasher, fridge, washer, microwave ) but the stove broke within 5 years and needed the warranty. this was whirlpool.

I had to fight with them on every single appliance. by time the washer died after multiple calls, I gave up. Better to just buy something that doesn't need an extended warranty. The fact that they will pay you back for a refigerator after all your food spoils or your dishwasher gives out before thanksgiving doesn't make you feel any better at the moment. I just wanted something that worked.

As I said SQ comes with a warranty included because they know you probably won't need it.

[ClevrChico]

The only alternative to Speed Queen that meets your requirements is likely a Maytag Commercial top loader with a five year warranty. (MVWP586GW)

It is built by Whirlpool with more heavy duty components. It's about $500 cheaper than SQ.

Thanks!
The salesman at a local appliance store had pointed out probably that model or similar model to me.
Temporarily out of stock on Maytag.com

We went with the Whirlpool at Lowe's thinking we'd at least get 8 years out of it like the previous Whirlpool we had purchased from Lowe's.

It is absolutely ridiculous that the Whirlpools with problems at 1+ year are 99.99% related to continuous drain after a cycle completes and requires a replacement of a $225 controller board.
If you buy from Whirlpool you pay even more $357(!) and hope you get $60 of it back if you return the old controller board.
The part is on backorder for 14 calendar days.

Wow, that's crazy! I bought a Whirlpool based Amana washer last year, and I hope that doesn't happen to me. The entire washer was $300 during Black Friday!

[enad]

Speed Queen has a no frills version of a washer that has an agitator and carries a 5-year warranty, model TC5003WN
...

I've owned this model for about a month and am very happy with it. When I asked the salesperson whether it had an 'Extra Spin' cycle, he laughed and asked if I'd ever owned a Speed Queen. The normal spin cycle is so powerful the 'Extra Spin' cycle is not needed. He told me that most washing machines have a 1/3 hp motor and that this Speed Queen has a 1 hp engine.

When I was looking at Speed Queen models for the OP, the site I found stated it had a 2-1/2 HP motor (link above), but the Speed Queen site for the TC5003WN states this model has a 2-speed 1/2- HP motor which would help to explain the error in the other site (combined 2-speed 1/2-HP into 2-1/2 HP).

FWIW, the Maytag washer we have has a 1-speed 1/2 HP. They may not make Maytag washers like they used to, but this 1989 commercial applies to our model. Here's an even older Maytag commercial

[OpenMinded1]

I've had an LG high efficiency, high capacity top loader for about four years now. Reliable and does a decent job of getting things clean. Also, the price was lower than some other washers with similar features. Consumer reports recommended it as a "best buy." It's a model WT7100CW. This exact model probably isn't available anymore.

[bbqguru]

ClevrChico wrote: Mon Mar 10, 2025 6:24 am
The only alternative to Speed Queen that meets your requirements is likely a Maytag Commercial top loader with a five year warranty. (MVWP586GW)

It is built by Whirlpool with more heavy duty components. It's about $500 cheaper than SQ.

We have two of the Maytag Commercial washers (two laundry rooms). One of them had a small issue that was promptly fixed by Maytag under warranty. They remind me exactly of the Maytag washers we had growing up.... They use a full tub of water and take about 30-40 minutes to do a full cycle. Biggest issue we had initially was not realizing the washer was done. After years of front-loading/HE models that took 60-80 minutes per cycle.

Would not hesitate to purchase them again.

[bombcar]

Go visit the local laundromats and see what they use.

Those machines have people around who can repair them.

Almost certainly you’ll see sped queen and Maytag commercial.

Speed queen is easy as their home ones are basically the same. Maytags a bit larder and requires some research.

I went speed queen. I wish I got the one one step up with a real soak setting instead of “boglehead’s™ soak” where you pause the load when full.

[Itsmeagain1]

We have an LG top load washer, model WT7600HWA. It is almost 7 years old & has been absolutely trouble free. It is large capacity with a stainless steel tub & is very quiet. It is the best washer we have owned in our 50+ years of marriage. FWIW, if it died tomorrow, I would not hesitate to replace it with the same model.

[WoostaGal]

I've owned this model for about a month and am very happy with it. When I asked the salesperson whether it had an 'Extra Spin' cycle, he laughed and asked if I'd ever owned a Speed Queen. The normal spin cycle is so powerful the 'Extra Spin' cycle is not needed. He told me that most washing machines have a 1/3 hp motor and that this Speed Queen has a 1 hp engine.

When I was looking at Speed Queen models for the OP, the site I found stated it had a 2-1/2 HP motor (link above), but the Speed Queen site for the TC5003WN states this model has a 2-speed 1/2- HP motor which would help to explain the error in the other site (combined 2-speed 1/2-HP into 2-1/2 HP).
...

My error. My model is actually the TR5003. According to the SQ website it has a Variable Speed, 1 HP motor:

https://speedqueen.com/products/top-loa ... /tr5003wn/

This page provides a good comparison of the various models:

https://images.webfronts.com/cache/frlhmgdcusng.pdf

[Green912]

Kenmore Elite top loader 14 years old without an issue.

[PottedPlant]

Kenmore Elite top loader 14 years old without an issue.

The problem with "Kenmore" is that the actual manufacturer differs from year to year.
Ours was made by LG and when the control board died (after 7 years), the local LG repair shop said: "buy a new one".

[tomd37]

The "Lady Kenmore" model back in 1968 was the top of the line at Sears Roebuck at the time and was the first washer/dryer set we bought and to this day my wife says it was the best set we ever bought. We have a nine year old Speed Queen set now that she says is the second best over 59 years of marriage.

Happy wife, happy life!

[rogue_economist]

Top loading these days is the bottom of the barrel for quality it seems. Last washer and dryer I bought were a Facebook find and cost $200 for the pair. Front loading machines. Did the boot replacement and cleaning myself.

[WoostaGal]

Top loading these days is the bottom of the barrel for quality it seems. ...

I'm curious about the basis for this statement. I certainly don't believe that my new top loading Speed Queen washing machine is the 'bottom of the barrel'. I prefer top loading machines because of the reduced possibility of leakage and mold around the door.

[jm15624]

we have been very happy with the speed queen top loader. we had a kenmore top loader for over 25 years, then replaced that with a maytag front loader that was constantly being serviced. we lasted less than two years with the maytag. still have the maytag dryer which has been fine.

bonus the speed queen actually gets the wash clean.

one comment from the salesman that stuck with me when we were replacing the kenmore was that we shouldn’t expect the new machine to last as long as the washer we bought in 1989.

[rogue_economist]

Top loading these days is the bottom of the barrel for quality it seems. ...

I'm curious about the basis for this statement. I certainly don't believe that my new top loading Speed Queen washing machine is the 'bottom of the barrel'. I prefer top loading machines because of the reduced possibility of leakage and mold around the door.

Every one I've seen in the last 20 years was a cheap landlord special and the main selling feature was its low cost.
Never had a frontloader leak, or mold issues although the latter is climate related. Honestly you can often replace the gasket for $40 give or take so even if it does get old just replacing seems like a cost effective option.

[Kenkat]

The "Lady Kenmore" model back in 1968 was the top of the line at Sears Roebuck at the time and was the first washer/dryer set we bought and to this day my wife says it was the best set we ever bought. We have a nine year old Speed Queen set now that she says is the second best over 59 years of marriage.

Happy wife, happy life!

Whatever it is you are doing, keep doing it!

My wife loves our Speed Queen washer and dryer.

[michaelingp]

Our Whirlpool washer purchased in Sept. 2023 has bit the dust with the constant drain pump running problem.
This common problem based on the reviews happens about 1 year+ after purchase.
This particular model of Whirlpool washer is still being sold and I know I don't want to buy it again.
Repair will cost $400.

Our previous washer a different Whirlpool lasted for 8 years; I sold the house in Dec 2023.
The GE washer which was brand new and came with the house ran for about 4 years.

Other than the Speed Queen it seems any other brand is hit or miss.

Any advice?

Have you considered a used washer (perhaps even matching dryer)?

We are using a top-loading Maytag washer and matching front loading dryer purchased new in early 1987 (part of their 1986 lineup) and they are working great.

Last year our new neighbors asked us a similar question and we showed them our washer/dryer and they found a model almost identical to ours that was used and paid to have it professionally serviced/cleaned. They love it.

These old units use little to no electronics and have few parts and are easily serviceable.

We have a 1990 Whirlpool washer we bought used. It was just out at the curb in front of a little appliance repair/sales place. It was practically new when I bought it, and something like $35. A lot of people replace perfectly good appliances just because they want a different color or something that I consider minor. The thing about the old machines is that they last a long time and parts are really plentiful and inexpensive. My daughter had an LG she inherited with her new house. Something went wrong, and probably needed a new control board, $200 for the part, so out it went. My sister has a 5 y.o. LG front loader and I just put a new pump in it a month ago or so. As far as how serviceable, while I love my old Whirlpool, I have to say the LG's are nicely engineered for disassembly, and the pump was relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Still, the impeller shaft (1/8" diameter) shouldn't have broken at the 5 year mark.

[enad]

Have you considered a used washer (perhaps even matching dryer)?

We are using a top-loading Maytag washer and matching front loading dryer purchased new in early 1987 (part of their 1986 lineup) and they are working great.

Last year our new neighbors asked us a similar question and we showed them our washer/dryer and they found a model almost identical to ours that was used and paid to have it professionally serviced/cleaned. They love it.

These old units use little to no electronics and have few parts and are easily serviceable.

We have a 1990 Whirlpool washer we bought used. It was just out at the curb in front of a little appliance repair/sales place. It was practically new when I bought it, and something like $35. A lot of people replace perfectly good appliances just because they want a different color or something that I consider minor. The thing about the old machines is that they last a long time and parts are really plentiful and inexpensive. My daughter had an LG she inherited with her new house. Something went wrong, and probably needed a new control board, $200 for the part, so out it went. My sister has a 5 y.o. LG front loader and I just put a new pump in it a month ago or so. As far as how serviceable, while I love my old Whirlpool, I have to say the LG's are nicely engineered for disassembly, and the pump was relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Still, the impeller shaft (1/8" diameter) shouldn't have broken at the 5 year mark.

You're right. One can do a general cleaning themselves or pay a someone (local repair/service shop) to dismantle the machine and clean everything. Our neighbors said their tech suggested some parts be replaced and they could not be happier. Sounds like you got a great deal.

To me, it's amazing how washers and dryers of yesteryear used electricity but relied on mechanical timers and electromechanical controls rather than advanced electronic circuits common in modern day washers and dryers. It's just one more thing to break and from the sounds of it, many people just pay for a new circuit board, or toss the appliance and buy something else.

[gunny]

Any advice?

I was going to suggest Whirlpool, but since you had a bad experience with them, I'll just say this: DON'T buy GE (which includes "Hotpoint"). I've had various appliances of theirs over the years and they were all utter garbage.

[gunny]

Every one I've seen in the last 20 years was a cheap landlord special and the main selling feature was its low cost.
Never had a frontloader leak, or mold issues although the latter is climate related. Honestly you can often replace the gasket for $40 give or take so even if it does get old just replacing seems like a cost effective option.

Quality has nothing to do with being a top- or front-loading machine.

[Itsmeagain1]

GE Appliance Division was purchased by Haier, a Chinese company in 2016. I believe the quality of their products has suffered since then.

[rogue_economist]

Every one I've seen in the last 20 years was a cheap landlord special and the main selling feature was its low cost.
Never had a frontloader leak, or mold issues although the latter is climate related. Honestly you can often replace the gasket for $40 give or take so even if it does get old just replacing seems like a cost effective option.

Quality has nothing to do with being a top- or front-loading machine.

It definitely can. When a technology gets to the tail end of its popularity it tends to be cost reduced and lower quality. VCRs and cassette decks are good examples, anything made in the last 25 years is basically e-waste.

[WoostaGal]

I'm curious about the basis for this statement. I certainly don't believe that my new top loading Speed Queen washing machine is the 'bottom of the barrel'. I prefer top loading machines because of the reduced possibility of leakage and mold around the door.

... Honestly you can often replace the gasket for $40 give or take so even if it does get old just replacing seems like a cost effective option.

Alternatively, I could buy a high quality top loading machine and never have to worry about replacing a front loader gasket.

[Itsmeagain1]

... Honestly you can often replace the gasket for $40 give or take so even if it does get old just replacing seems like a cost effective option.

Alternatively, I could buy a high quality top loading machine and never have to worry about replacing a front loader gasket.

+1 Front load machines have definitely declined in popularity because of the mold issue.