When my DH purchased me a Kenmore machine 5 years ago, he also purchased the extended warranty with it. Had a problem a few years ago with it, took it to Sears, had it repaired and paid nothing. I take the machine in every 8 months or so to have it cleaned and serviced We have extended the service plan since i received the machine and it is worth the price. when the warranty is up this time around, I will check into new machines, but I want a machine that has a warranty/and extended warranty with it, and a place nearby that will actually service it. I don't want a machine that I have to pay postage to ship and wait to receive it back.