Frugal- one I agree with you.

I researched and searched for the best for me and Speed Queen was it. I too got the manual one. I had to special order and wait gosh almost two months last year for it. I dated mine with a sharpie so I know how long it lasts. I was told the same as you that it is suppose to last. I love mine, best machine ever and I seem to have been through too many.