I much prefer a top loader, for one thing I am always finding one dropped/missed sock after the load has started. With a top loader you can just throw it in. Also, while I don't do a lot of it, sometimes I do treat my fabric in various ways, whether with dyes or bleach or what have you. Again, works better if you can open it up mid-cycle.
I also want extra large capacity so I don't have to take my quilts to the Laundromat. Mostly our laundry is done on the regular size, but especially when it is towels and sheets and such we go extra large.
I have also heard of Speed Queens recommended. My friend in Arizona's Maytag washer was going out and her repairman really encouraged/convinced her to pay for the costly but cheaper than a new washer repair, telling her that she was just not going to be happy with any current machine but to go Speed Queen if she felt she had to.
Modern appliances simply are not made to last like they used to be. Pretty much everything is designed for planned obsolescence and to be replaced every 10-12 years now, cheap/expensive what have you. Big business doesn't want you to have a washing machine that lasts 50 years any more.