For 9 years I owned a front loading machine and it worked well except that in the last three years of its time with us it started to give problems. The expenses for repairs was enormous and since we were informed by many that the front loading was the best we stuck to our machine repairing it every time instead of purchasing a new one. ANyway, the cost of a new front loading was beyond our budget.
However, last year when our machine finally gave up at a crucial moment we had to buy a new machine on the spot. Being low on cost and really desperate we settled for the Daewoo top loading machine. Since it was the festival of Diwali we also received a good festival discount. The machine is superb. Friends had told me that top loading machine tear the clothes but I experienced nothing like this so far.
Besides, in times of waters shortage I can even pour water directly myself rather than depending on the tape and the machine still runs. Also, the powder consumed is much less than the front loading. We are very satisfied. One more gain, is that the machine occupies less space and also looks neat and sleek!