Is repairing always better than replacing (white goods)?

[Islay]

I've been trying to console myself - our washing machine is about 30 years old, and I finally thought it had done the decent thing and died, but the repairman fixed it for about a fiver. I had high hopes of a super duper, A++++ (or whatever it is) rated shiny new machine, but no dice. The old Hotpoint lingers on.

So, even in the case of a really really ancient machine, is it still better to repair than replace? This was a minor repair, so I guess the parts thing is negligible, but this machine must be so energy inefficient.

If you all tell me it's better to buy a new one, I'll smile winningly at my boyfriend. If not, I'll struggle on with the sad old one, I promise.

[Millymollymandy]

I agree with Susie - just think how much money you have SAVED over the years by not having to buy a new washing machine! You should pat yourself (or your dear old machine) on the back.

[Islay]

Humph. I will go and be grateful for my old repairable machine then! At least I can console myself with my even-more-advanced eco credentials.

[Millymollymandy]

Oh dear you don't sound very happy! I'm a bit like that about my oven, we inherited it with the house and I hate it, but when it blew up (just before Xmas one year!!!) it was fixable for not very much money (and luckily in time for Xmas!). So I'm stuck with it for the time being.

[Silver Ether]

Stick with it flower ... I had a hotpoint tumble dryer used it all everyday for 30 years with the odd thermostate replacement by my fella. Then it died... Went to buy a new one all energy saving etc. First I could not find one as small so had to have a bigger one that went in an out building therefor not as convienient. Then we recieved the leccy bill and I fell through the floor it had more than doubled So I now have a dryer I don't use as its very "unenergy saving"