I would like to get some opinions concerning the above: I have an opportunity to have re-built an older Maytag A512 which will cost approx AU$1000.00, which so far includes a new gearbox, seals and belts, but could be higher if the bowls have rusted out. So...i could end paying the price of a new Atlantis. I know the Atlantis are nowhere near as good...but what problems have surfaced with them? Do i re-build an old machine and get only a 12 month warranty or buy new and get a 5 year warranty? Leon

Good question, I would be interested in hearing from others also on this.

Mayfan69,

Your A512 is about what, 15 years old? So, if you have it rebuilt, you are looking at probably 20 more years. It is worth it. If you buy a new Atlantis, it will work nice for a while, then, sorry, they are crap. If you have total rust-out, then you can replace that as well. Good luck and keep your A512.

Steve

Rebuild.

Hi Steve,

Yes....the A512 would be about 15 years old. Even the spare parts guy at Maytag said if it was him: he would have it re-built. So i suppose that says it doesn't it?

Leon

I am curious as well as my Maytag DC appliances were rebuilt from the ground up with detail to maximize usability

I paid 400.00 us dollars which is a lot but I have peace of mind that the machines will not break down and can fix them myself since I have been taught in repair in DC apps

Yes Leon.

Let us know what you decide.

Steve

i was looking online to find out the age of our a512 and found this thread..we are selling the pair (matching washer and dryer) that still work great..

how much should we be asking for them?

should we sell them on ebay?

-txwasher

Hi! Leon, I agree with Steve "Maken4now" and the others, Repair your Maytag, especially given the current info about the Factories closing down, these great older Washers and Dryers are well worth their "GOLD" in Dependability compared to the Atlantis especially.

Please keep us "Posted" as to what you end up doing, but I personally would spend the Money on Repairs if it were up to me and I could afford it, or since I would be able to do the work myself, I would just get the Parts and "have-at-it" knowing I did it correctly.

Peace and Happy Maytag Washing, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

P.S. Txwasher, I would certainly see if someone of the Club Site would be interested at first and just work out the Price between each, given being able to see them and find out more about them. Good Luck with selling these wonderful Vintage Machines.

Steve "aka" SactoTeddyBear...

Hi Leon

That sounds like an incredible amount for the repair. What exactly is wrong with the machine?

A third option is to hunt around for a similar machine second hand.
Are you doing some of the work yourself? If you are chasing up parts, don't forget that some Au machines are based on the Maytags so the parts may be available much cheaper. Wilkins Servis parts are still available, there is a place in Albury that regularly comes up when I do google searches on washing machine stuff, I can try to find it if you'd like. Also try Oz Spares, they are in Melbourne and have a bit of old stock. They are owned by Stokes which might be part of Electrolux now, I've lost track.

I believe that the older Simpsons are somehow based on Maytag technology too, either under license or a copy. I am thinking of the Simpson 144 and 244, or even better the Malleys Aquarius which was a deluxe version with more options and a recirculating lint filter.

Another option is a Hoover 520, 620 or 720. These are fantastic machines and parts are still available and not expensive. My fave is the 720 but depending on your preferences, if you like enamelled steel tub and lint filter, you might like to hunt up a 520. I think the Hoovers wash much better than the Simpsons. Don't go for a Hoover 820 or later though, they were cheapened up pretty badly by then. Ironically it was because of the takeover of Hoover Aus by Maytag, who wanted to keep the Hoover name as a cheapy and force quality buyers to a Maytag.

If you really love the Maytag then go for it, but I reckon you could get a great old machine for a lot less.

Chris.

Hi Chris,

Since emailing you about your message, something has come up which could save me spending the money.

I saw an ad in the paper here for a Wilkins Servis automatic for only AU$20.00 !!!! (for you guys who don't know: Wilkins Servis used Maytag mechanicals built under licence here in Oz in the 1970's, the same gearboxes used in the A512 series machines and older)

I went and had a look at the machine and its still in pretty good order for 30 years old. It still works well,but the timer needs repairing and the cabinet needs a good paint job. it's been serviced every 12 months since new and the owners have taken good care of it. So...for $20.00 i couldn't resist.

Maybe Chris you might know where i can get the timer repaired or a re-con one? Please let me know

I'll post some pics on the site for everyone once i pick up the machine and get my scanner working.

Cheers
Leon