Everything is Broken

I have the above-mentioned Bob Dylan song in my head today. He certainly wasn't thinking of items in my house when he wrote it, but I'm going with it, so there.

Do I really want to make myself sound like my parent's generation when I bemoan the fact that things aren't made like they used to be? I realize that part of our society has become enamored of disposable living - despite paying more for these items, you name it, if we can throw it away after one use... hoo-ha!!

Still, major appliances shouldn't fall under "disposable". At least in my book.

Case in point #1 - Whirl*pool washer; less than three years old - problem: rusting lid. Called customer service to find out that warranty doesn't cover this now. Sigh. Okay. How much to get a new one? Hold on here... $100.... for a LID?? That's supposed to get wet because it's attached to a washing machine?! Can't these people coat it with something that will keep the WET surfaces from rusting? So, the new lid would be almost 1/3 of what we paid for this fine piece of craftsmanship. No way. I'm off to find touch up paint and pray that it won't, at some point, get into the wash.

Case in point #2 - May*tag dishwasher; 4 years old - problem: rusting racks. Called the 1-800 number yesterday on the side of the DW. I was told about all the parts that HAVE 5 year warranties. Guess what? The racks aren't included. Total damage for two racks - about $190. Please. Almost HALF of what we originally paid for this item? Ugh....

It frustrates me that things don't seem to be made to last now. Or that companies don't care if they put out a quality product. We're just expected to suck it up and buy another. Maybe they're in cahoots with credit card companies... Hmmmm.