15 month-old Zanussi washing machine broken

DJBenson

Hi

I've been doing a bit of reading and just want to gauge opinion on this - I know it's a subjective matter so am prepared for the negatives as well as any positives.

We purchased a Zanussi Essential 1200 washing machine from Argos (on 9 month BNPL if it matters) about 15 months ago. Apart from being the loudest squeeling machine I've ever heard it's been absolutely fine - up until this week.

The machine - regardless of spin speed, makes a hammering sound whilst spinning. You can clearly see the drum moving back and forth either whilst spinning or being moved by hand and it's actually very difficult to turn the drum manually now so my guess (not being an expert on these things) is that the bearings are shot.

So - 12 month warranty - been and gone, BUT, where does one begin with the whole "is/was it fit for purpose" argument - I would certainly expect a £400 machine to last slightly longer than 15 months (when choosing the machine I thought 3-4 years and I'd be happy - I am realistic when it comes to the cost vs reliability scale )

This doesn't appear to be a minor fault as I cannot use the machine now (if only for the fear of causing more damage) - whether or not one could prove that it is "wear and tear" is another matter.

I've written to Argos and eagerly await their rejection :rotfl: but failing that - do I pay somebody to come in and tell me what the issue is? My only thoughts on that are impartiality - how easy would it be for me to pay a mate to say "it's a manufacturing fault" - and I'd feel the same in an Argos technician came out - clearly it's in their interest to claim "wear & tear".

Over to you guys - be gentle (but be truthful). Might as well make this a dual thread - if it's comes down to my brass tacks - how much is a repair likely to cost - these bloody machines are made up of sealed units aren't they so it's likely to be a new motor or drum or something!

neilmcl

Wait to see what Argos comes back with but if you don't get anywhere with them initially then yes you will need to get an "independent" and "expert" diagnosis of the fault to prove that its an inherent fault and not just down to wear and tear. Notice I said expert, so unless your mate can be identified as a suitable expert then I'm afraid you'll have to pay for a proper report.

DJBenson

Just to be clear - I am in no way suggesting I "pay a mate" - it was a hypothetical question to prompt a response about the "type" of "expert" needed - I've been doing the rounds getting details of independent washing machines tradesmen so if those are the kind of people required then they're on hand.

And to be doubly clear - having read quite a few posts on here beforehand - I am not trying to nab a freebie here, just trying to exercise my rights in a situation where I feel I'm at a disadvantage due to a possible manufacturing fault. If my "expert" says otherwise - as per my original post - then I'll cough up.

Thanks for the advice - a friendly follow-up to Argos on the phone tomorrow should set things in motion one way or t'other

Oldbiggles

I think all Zanussi products are noisy. Our Zanussi Fan oven sounds like a motor bike in the kitchen. We are looking to cut our losses and find another oven. Never again a Zanussi anything.


:mad:

DJBenson

So the reply has been received from Argos - they have instructed me to seek the advice of an independent expert (I've booked a visit with a local independent machine specialist for next week). If the report suggests the failure is down to a manufacturing defect - they will reimburse the cost of the the inspection and arrange repair of the machine.

Positive start to proceedings, shame I've got an (expensive) weekend in the launderette planned this weekend