Hi Sleepingfish,
Ya, mine was 10 yrs old too. I like it very much though - Thomson top loading - very clean. I've changed to Fisher and Paykel, still top loading - cheaper and slightly bigger but more imptly, fits the space designated for it. I am not complaining about your noise, cause mine was loud too. I was just trying to explain maybe the noise was due to the same reason. Anyway, I took this opportunity to convince hubby to get another WM.
woooo~ Thomson top loading WM! i like!! very long lasting WM, the clothes come out clean and best of all, straight!! i never need to iron my school uniforms when i was in sec sch cos my mum was using it!!! and of course must immediately take up hang to dry... but some WM u take out only already all crumply, like those in local uni hostels...
the old one i used to have at home also used for 10 years... subsequently the other WM all lasted only 2 to 4 years... no good
but all top loading cos my parents only get top loading WM, my place the landing for WM quite narrow, not much space for front loading ones...