I have a chance to get a matched pair (white with gold bezel) Maytag set, circa 1978. The washer is an A208; the dryer is a DG409 (gas). I know that the A608 or A808 are the premium models; I'm just wondering what the A208 doesn't have that the 608 has...

Do I need them? Absolutely not. In fact, I don't know exactly why I want them, but they do look nice in the seller's photos. The good part is that according to the seller, they both run great, so in the event my Neptune blows up, they'd be a nice replacement for a while.

I guess I need to build a spare laundry room.

Rich, the 208 is the 2-speed 14 pound (std. capacity) version of the A608. Very nice machine. The dryer is auto-dry control, I don't think it's electronic control.

The 608 is one step down from the 806 (*still used the 06 designation for this TOL model) This comparison chart should help.

Bob and Greg,

Thanks muchly for the info. I hadn't realized the 606/806 were extra-large capacity machines, and that the 208 was only a "standard" capacity machine. I'm not sure what difference that makes to me, although it's always nice to have more room in the washer, and the Neptune has kind of spoiled me for taking the occasional hefty load (mainly big fluffy bath sheets, which I love, and I do about seven at a time. The are blue, of course).

I'll be looking at these on Wednesday; for $60 for the pair the only thing to lose is the travel time/gasoline plus the loss of storage space at home :-). If the machines are ragged I'll probably pass on them.

It's probably past-time for me to have a rummage sale... but I can always start carting excess detritus to the dump and the usable stuff to Urban Ore or a charity.

What I'd truly like to have is a matched 806 set... with lighted panels... that would be way cool...

I took a look at the pair the other day, and decided to pass on them. Although I believe they are in great working condition, the porcelain on the washer top is heavily scratched from use (but not chipped). Probably from the wife sliding laundry baskets across the top. The agitator was replaced with a non-original (white) one at some point, as part of a seal replacement. The snubbers need to be replaced - not a big deal.

Bottom line is that I couldn't see getting such comsetically compromised machines as part of a collection at this time, although I think they'd be great for someone who needs a working set. Plus I'm really looking for an 80x model, either 806 or earlier, with backlit control panel. Or a very early X02 model, similar to the one I remember having for a while in the 80's.

However the seller had pristine factory service manuals dating from 1962, and after some hesitation agreed to sell me those for a very reasonable price. I'll be picking those up in a week or so, hopefully.

If the price is right,there is still a resale market for the '08 Maytags.I normally will get $150.00 or so for a set,in my neighborhood.

have to show these


The washer had just come back from the hospital

Those are beautiful, Peter, even if they are gold :-).

The seller wound up giving the washer/dryer set away, which is fine with me. All I really want are the service manuals. I already have a couple of white 606's, one a suds saver, so an 08 would have been kind of superfluous (and I'm not in the dealer business, at least not yet...).

I am thinking perhaps I need to start visiting the exchange docks at the major home improvement centers/appliance shops around here. I'd like to find a 50's automatic Maytag, like an 02.