washing machines and reliability, brand new machine broken

Chrysalis · 24-07-2008, 15:35

Got a new hotpoint HLV211 from tesco direct, was very hard to find reviews for any washing machines in my budget but the few I found for this machine were good. Read many nightmare scenarios on the net tho in general for washing machines going wrong in 1st year of life.

Well mine came today, I paid for installation which I thought would rule out anything been broken by bad installation.

First test run on first wash cycle, no clothes it rattles while drum turning, sometimes just quiet rattles but occasionally loud clangs so sounds like something loose inside, so I aborted the wash and didnt let it try and spin. Hotpoint on phone told me I should drain it and check back if bolts removed, when I started draining it suddenly im in a puddle as the installers didnt fit the drain pipe.

So I got washing machine out so I can access back, the bolts were already removed, I fitted the drain pipe and moved it back. Tried the wash cycle again but rattles and clangs, rang hotpoint again who now sending someone out tuesday next week.

I am considering ringing tesco direct and saying just pick it up and give me my money back, what you guys and girls think?

**Rob** · 24-07-2008, 15:40

I'd be complaining to whoever you paid for the installation that they didn't install it since the hoses were not adequately connected.

As for the fault, probably worth seeing what the engineer says, but ask him specifically what the issue is. If it is anything other than something small then yes, complain to the vendor on the basis of unfit for purpose.

Saaf_laandon_mo · 24-07-2008, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Got a new hotpoint HLV211 from tesco direct, was very hard to find reviews for any washing machines in my budget but the few I found for this machine were good. Read many nightmare scenarios on the net tho in general for washing machines going wrong in 1st year of life.

Well mine came today, I paid for installation which I thought would rule out anything been broken by bad installation.

First test run on first wash cycle, no clothes it rattles while drum turning, sometimes just quiet rattles but occasionally loud clangs so sounds like something loose inside, so I aborted the wash and didnt let it try and spin. Hotpoint on phone told me I should drain it and check back if bolts removed, when I started draining it suddenly im in a puddle as the installers didnt fit the drain pipe.

So I got washing machine out so I can access back, the bolts were already removed, I fitted the drain pipe and moved it back. Tried the wash cycle again but rattles and clangs, rang hotpoint again who now sending someone out tuesday next week.

I am considering ringing tesco direct and saying just pick it up and give me my money back, what you guys and girls think?

Did you pay tesco for the install too. If so, I would definately have called Tesco first, to inform them of the bad install. If you are happy the machine model is a good one for you, you could have wrangled out some compensation for the bad install out of them as well as getting a new replacement.

alferret · 24-07-2008, 19:18

Dont forget distance selling

http://www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_res...g-regulations/

It doesnt do what it says on the tin: therefore.

Watching You · 24-07-2008, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Got a new hotpoint HLV211 from tesco direct, was very hard to find reviews for any washing machines in my budget but the few I found for this machine were good. Read many nightmare scenarios on the net tho in general for washing machines going wrong in 1st year of life.

Well mine came today, I paid for installation which I thought would rule out anything been broken by bad installation.

First test run on first wash cycle, no clothes it rattles while drum turning, sometimes just quiet rattles but occasionally loud clangs so sounds like something loose inside, so I aborted the wash and didnt let it try and spin. Hotpoint on phone told me I should drain it and check back if bolts removed, when I started draining it suddenly im in a puddle as the installers didnt fit the drain pipe.

So I got washing machine out so I can access back, the bolts were already removed, I fitted the drain pipe and moved it back. Tried the wash cycle again but rattles and clangs, rang hotpoint again who now sending someone out tuesday next week.

I am considering ringing tesco direct and saying just pick it up and give me my money back, what you guys and girls think?

Without jumping too far ahead, of the ins and outs about what went on in the past. However, the fundamental point on your washing machine is the ‘Sales of Goods Act - Implied Terms Act’ ie this means that you buy a washing machine to wash clothes not as a household item to look at or fill a space in the kitchen.

Suggest that you contact the supplier and arrange for a replacement.

I am surprised that you cannot find any information on the washing machine you were planning on buying, suggest that you visit your local library and look for the edition of WHICH covering washing machines.

Also you should check the individual websites of all the major washing machine manufactures; the three (major) things you should look out for are:

Reliability

Power rating

and ease of use

Anything else like colour, size and addition functionality are entirely up to the individual.

Chrysalis · 25-07-2008, 01:56

Watching you, getting info on reliability is hard yes, when googling its all sites simply selling the product but back to my main point. Thanks for the advice everyone and here is an update.

I took the same view as you guys saying unfit for purpose and distance selling act, I did pay tesco extra for installation as well. Gave them the choice of refunding me and picking up washing machine if they want it back or giving me brand new replacement, they now sending out another one next tuesday. I will cancel the hotpoint engineer appointment I had, personally I think even getting a repair isnt on as it was never working properly in the first place.

As for the bodged installation I will be taking it further with tesco and want as a minimum my installation fee waived. The installation company 'expert logistics' seem to be very dodgy and unfriendly, pretty much not caring they messed up. Well when the next one is done on tuesday I have learnt my lesson and will not be signing any receipt until they have fully tested the new machine, I dont care if it upsets them. Unfortenatly as well tesco have informed me I have to do the unplugging of this machine I got now or the company wont take it away as its been treated as a scrap pickup.

---------- Post added at 01:56 ---------- Previous post was at 00:20 ----------

Had a look at which, I think I going to change the replacement to a zanussi, thanks again guys. Seems they didnt refund me the original install fee (so down £20) and the zanussi is £40 more so going to get the difference waived.

Watching You · 25-07-2008, 09:21

Sorry Chrysalis,

I should have added this link to WHICH, on line you have to register for the service, and its not free for the detailed reports (I am a member) however most libraries also have copies, which you are free to read (providing you are a member of the library).

Anyway a long story short, in 2000 I spent six months working in Germany and was provided with a flat rented from the British army in Celle, which was just outside of Hannover. In this accommodation they brought a new washer-dryer Siemens, and at the end of my six month posting I had the opportunity to buy it for only £200 which was a bargain, since I was the only owner*. I brought it home with me and although washer-dryers are often slated for reliability this was the best machine I owned; I swear by them, in the five years I owned this it only broke down twice and all it was just the heating element (as it was a cold fill machine) had worn and needed to be replaced. When I had the Kitchen redone I gave it away to a relative that still has it in eight years on.

*The British Army were handing these flats back to the German authorities since they had cut down on the numbers of personnel across Europe.

PS Siemens & Bosch are exactly the same machines; Siemens provides the electronics and Bosch the motors. They are made on the same production line but labelled differently, it’s only a shame that Siemens & Bosch only provided their cheapest machines here, because “apparently” British people treat appliances as “fashion items” and therefore require machines that last no more than three years, but on the continent they want machines that last until they fall apart. I have heard John Lewis can order them for you or for the adventurous you can drive/ ferry/drive to Germany and buy them in Hamburg, despite the rise of the Euro zone they are still good value.

RUSTY · 25-07-2008, 10:36

Bought bosch products for years and been very satisfied with them.

**David F** · 25-07-2008, 10:46

WHICH like the Zanussi's also thats what I bought from Tesco Direct in the end iirc the Hotpoints did not do well

Osem · 25-07-2008, 12:18

I found this site very helpful when we replaced our aging AEG recently with another AEG under the John Lewis brand name.

We've always bought AEG and they've all served us well.

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/

There's all sorts of information and advice, including consumer rights etc.

Chrysalis · 25-07-2008, 12:27

I paid for the 30 day trial on which its no problem

is not a bad site certianly the most reviews I have seen. Zanussi has the best reliability rating of the cheaper brands. I havent got the budget for meile

Osem I used that site yes, the problem I had with it is it seems to just be promoting the top brand only and saying everything else sucks and very limited reviews, its not even possible to register on their forum to ask questions.

---------- Post added at 12:27 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------

An update on tesco direct, they wanted to do a order cancel+refund and submit new order, bear in mind I currently got a £230 refund from the first order waiting to clear, then this be another £230, so if I submitted the order that was 3/4 of a grand on my credit card whilst the refunds hadnt cleared and as one of their call centre ops hung up on me on my first call and I had a bad experience with their installation company for now I have just cancelled the hotpoint order and delaying, I may order from elsewhere now after my refunds have cleared. It seems as well tesco are 'not' going to pick up the damaged hotpoint I got sitting in my kitchen. So that has effectively cost me just £20 but of course its damaged however in manufacturer warranty so should be free to get repaired.

quite funny as well most of the other brands bosch, zanussi etc. are either sold out or listed as no longer available on tesco yet they have hotpoint and indesit products galore.

**David F** · 25-07-2008, 19:44

cuz their washing machines are poop lol

DaiNasty · 25-07-2008, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by David F

cuz their washing machines are poop lol

I'd be inclined to agree with that. I buy Indesits for my accommodation business and expect them to last at best 18 months.

The guarantee is void because they are being used for commercial purposes so I treat them as disposable items. Mine are worked hard. They are basically running all day every day and I consider them a write-off after 12 months.

For a domestic user I guess you could expect a couple of years before they start making odd noises. They're really not engineered to last much longer.