Was at the appliance/furniture store Saturday after a new recliner.  Sales guy, which I know went to talking about appliances.  Mentioned that down the road we need to replace our range and probably are washer/dryer set next.  They sell about 5 or 6 different brands but said he'd buy the speed queen.  Said that they're higher priced, but you'd be back in buying another set before you'd wear a set of those out.  He also was talking with another customer about refrigerators.  Said their life expectancy now is 6-8 years.