Hi Anne,
We had to buy a new washer a few years ago now, about 7 or 8 years I think. When we were told the old one had to be replaced he said they don`t make them to last now - he thought we`d done extremely well to get 10 years out of it.
I have a Zanussi, and like you I practically whisper sweet nothings to it in order to keep it sweet. I don`t like ones with too many dials and functions - unless they invent one with a built-in ironer : I`d be first in the queue then!
Be nice to your new one, pat it gently as you pass, and it will soon find a place in your heart.
Kathleen x