Since I was laid off under the Carter Consolidation (of the defense industry), and had to establish a second household, I have bought two washers and two driers. All second hand. They lasted almost as long as brand new ones would have. Only repair was to replace a thermostat on one drier.. well twice, but the second one was free. The second washer, which I'm still using, is a heavy duty commercial one, pulled out of a BOQ at Ft. Sam Houston. Both shops, one in San Antonio, the other near Ft. Hood, delivered too.
My experiences were similar.
Last time I needed a major repair, the guy I trust quoted me about 2/3 of a new machine and his opinion was it wasn’t worth it.
Reconditioned machines would be such a great depression business, IMO, I can’t understand why there aren’t any within 50 miles. It just may be that the parts have gotten too high.
The newer ones are very efficient, so at some point, reconditioned ones w/high efficiency should become available.