White goods... advice needed!

snoopkat

Hello

I am about to set up my first home after years of living in a shared house.

I have some savings (about £9k) which I have lovingly held onto for many years as a "buffer".

I know I will need to spend some of this on white goods, namely a washing machine and a fridge freezer. I also have a lot of other things to pay out for so I need to keep it all to a reasonable minimum.

My question is should I get them second hand or is it false economy? I am having a baby so I cant really afford for the washing machine to break down!

My mum also threw another spanner in the works today by saying that as i will be using the washing machine a lot and not wanting things to take ages to dry so I shouldnt be going for the cheapest.

ANy suggestions? I was thinking maybe get a new washing machine and go second hand on the fridge freezer (and a telly - cos I need one of them too)

I was going to get it in argos - any other suggestions for cheap new washing machines? Wouldnt mind if they were "seconds", scratched or something.!!

thanks

K

giggs11

dixons have some good deals about at mo and there are discount codes on the discount board to get them even cheaper, even better if you have an egg credit card to get an extra 10% cashback too

HugoSP

Save your money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.freecycle.org/display.php?region=United%20Kingdom

I don't think anyone would mind you asking for these things in your local group. There are stacks of people in mine who seem to have a whole host of items to give away and are just glad to give it to nice people who pick up promptly and are saving as much as they can for their future.

My local groups are often offering TVs Washing Machines and fridges. Use this to get yourself going then as time progresses and your nest egg increases in size, then get what you really want.

The other suggestion is comet clearence or Comet Auctions. This site is run by Comet and they auction off graded (scrached dented etc) appliances. I don't know the site URL but google will find it for you.

H

windym_2

Personally, I believe that you get what you pay for. However, I do also agree with saving money where you can. I search for cashback deals and vouchers on anything and always email companies to get their best prices. As far as the washing machine goes, would it be worth renting? You could get a really good washer and use it for all the babies bits etc and in the future work towards buying a good one with long warranty. I have a triple A washing machine (Siemens which I paid £400 for, with 5 year warranty) which is cheap to run and has 1600 spin so the clothes almost feel dry when they come out. I recommend going for the fastest spin you can get/afford. It will save money on drying.

Comet auctions are good but check out the delivery prices, they can be steep. http://www.clearance-comet.co.uk/.

P.S good luck with the new addition.

clairehi

Speaking as a mother of 2, I would recommend you get a tumble dryer too, for those winter days when you go through 6 babygros!