Rebuild or Replace our 14 year- old SubZero?
Our 14 year old built-in SZ 550 refrigeration section no longer cools below 45 degrees. The repairman is suggesting that we rebuild it. Is this ever a good idea? Or should we bite the bullet and replace it? If the latter, with what? We have liked this SZ although it has had its share of (minor) repairs. We are now retired and need to think twice about big expenditures.
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About 18-months or 2 years ago, we had our 1988 Sub-Zero estimated for repair after looking at all the new Sub-Zero- hey, they certainly looked flimsy compared to our tank. As well, it is built into the wall of cabinets, and would entail problems fititng a new one into the space. But that was not the deciding factor.
I didn't think twice when the guy gave us a repair estimate aorund $1800. We had another two repairs in the estimate as well: new liner around door, and some sort of hinge to make the door come-to-shut.
Previously we had not any repairs - that's a record for any refrigerator, I think. We could have dumped it and considered ourselves lucky, but we decided to save it. I didn't replace any of the shelving, though it does looked well-used. But at any rate, it sure is better than the plastic-y looking new shelving.
Retired, too.
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re: Rella
Thanks, very reassuring. The repairman intimated as such when he said that our SZ is very fixable and even the new SZ shelves "not as sturdy" as the ones we we currently have.
Repairmen have said the same thing about how appliances today are no longer built to last. We have a full-size Panasonic microwave that fits perfectly inside of our cabinet. When it stopped working, the appliance repair shop told us this was worth fixing, that the new ones are no longer built as well. With just one repair, it has lasted us 25 years.
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re: hawkeyeui93
They told us it would depend on what went wrong. Best case scenario, a new evaporator @$800. Worst case scenario, a complete rebuild. We dodged the bullet this time, "only" the evaporator needed replacement. What happens next time? Repairman says that SZ are very "fixable" relative to other refrigerators. Will this be like being nibbled to death by ducks?
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That would really depend on the cost. We had an issue with our freezer not working well several years ago (our SubZero is about 20 years old). It ended up being a $100 repair - or about $7,000 or so less than buying a new one. If the repairman is reputable and the cost is reasonable no reason not to get several more years of life out of it.
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