Well my washer gave up[ the ghost and so I did some research of what to look for when buying a washer. This is what I found, for your reading pleasure.

-Check out the consumer reprots.org to see which ones report high scores:
or check out overstockcom
-Determine how much laundry you do. If you do several batches a day, than you will want to consider a high capacity washer and an energy saving washer.
-Select a price range
-Front loaders have the largest capacities and many do not have reversible doors, they usually have a better spin cycle taking more water out of the spin cycle
-If you buy your washer on-line include the cost of shipping as part of the cost
-Energy savings washers are usually more expensive
-Is the control panel easy to understand?
-Do you have size restrictions and if you do you may want to get a stacking set
-If buying from a store, find out the reputation of the store and what warranties do they offer and will they pick it up or have a mechanic come to you or do you have to deliver it somewhere. Do they deliver?
-Have a friend or family member go with you to coordinate a good decision
-Look at the scratch and dent section of the store as those models will be less expensive
-Ask family and friends their experience. They may have good advice for you.
-Check the internet to compare prices and educate yourself about washers
-Read customer reviews on washers and dryers. If you subscribe to consumer reports check out their testing results.
-Does the washer have specific capabilities that you want or are not important?
-Measure the space you plan to put the washer and dryer before buying.
-Visit your local appliance stores to compare brands by quality, features and prices. (Don’t buy during initial investigation) salesmen can be persuasive, compare features and quality
-Features of washer: Common features of interest in a washer are: auto temperature, water level settings, capacity, stain-removing feature and energy efficiency and water usage. Common dryer features to compare and ensure are: energy source, capacity, controls, temperature settings, a cool-down cycle, noise level, moisture sensors, drying rack, drum light and lint filter.
-The size of the drum can let you know if it’s a high capacity washer. Medium size is 24-26 inch mouth. Most washers are 27-30 inch
-Washers will require plumbing installations. If you’re replacing a washer, note what your current setup is.
-You will want to determine the position of the washer and drying by how the doors open and space in the laundry room
-You can call a charity organization to pick up your old washer and they dispose of it
-High efficiency washers require low suds detergent
-See if the store you’re shopping at will give you a discount for your old washer.
-Energy star washers are washers that save resources. Are usually more expensive and you might see if you get a utility benefit for buying one.
-Decide if want a gas or electric washer. And check on the attributes of each to decide and the setup of your home.
-For people who are sensitive to chemicals some washers have an extra rinse cycle.
-Some of the newer washers have a humidity sensor to make sure that clothes are not over dry and that lengthens the life of the washer.
-Make sure your purchase include transport, install and removal of the old
-If you have a king of queen sized bed then you’ll want a super capacity washer
-If you wash a lot of delicate you will want a hand wash cycle
-Front load machines can cause a lot of vibration on a second story floor when not on a ground floor.

For used washers:
-Check out thrift stores, garage sales, pawn shops, ads in newspapers or media sites
-Check our washer repair business. They may have used to sell
-Manually spin the drum and listen for unusual noises
-Test it through a full cycle. This will catch a fault cycle timer and you can look for leaks, check the drum to make sure all the water exited
-Look for rust inside the drum
-More modern washers have a cold fill that helps with the environment
-Check to make sure all the buttons are working
places to buy used washers: Home » Home & Garden » Kitchen » Kitchen Appliances. Look for specialist outlet stores or refurbished product products on sale in electrical shops.
-Get a copy of the manual go to this site: http://produtools.com/d/manuals.php
-Where to buy used washing machines from: Craigslist, eBay, Preloved, Vivastreet, Gumtree, thrift stores, Browse classified ads. Some supermarkets and community centers have special message boards or garage sales.
-Refurbished machines usually have a 3 mo. warranty
-Make sure all the associated accessories comes with it such as drainage pipe, the water input pipe and the spinner cap.
-Some feel that older machines were ‘made better’ then newer models.
-Find out how old and the history of the old washing machine
-One person said that box of trisodium phosphate will provide cleaner clothes: http://mises.org/daily/5267/Why-Everything-Is-Dirtier
-Read more: What to Look for When Buying a Used Washing Machine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8312641_look-buying-used-washing-machine.html#ixzz26VVTlfKD

Useful links:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2078209_buy-washer-dryer.html
http://www.overstock.com/guides/tips-on-buying-washers-and-dryers
http://web.consumerreports.org/washingmachines/v1/index.html?EXTKEY=SG72A00&CMP=KNC-CROAPPG&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=washer_and_dryer_buying_guide&
http://voices.yahoo.com/tips-buying-best-washer-dryer-272234.html
http://www.goedekers.com/category/35/Laundry.html
http://housewares.about.com/od/laundryappliances/bb/buywasher.htmhttp://housewares.about.com/od/laundryappliances/bb/buywasher.htm
http://housewares.about.com/od/majorappliances/a/appliancedonate.htm
http://housewares.about.com/od/laundryappliances/bb/buywasher.htm
http://housewares.about.com/od/majorappliances/f/energystar_RO.htm

Tips for Buying a New Washer and Dryer Set

http://ideas.thenest.com/buying-guides/buying-home-appliances/articles/home-appliances-buying-a-washer-and-dryer.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/how_2078209_buy-washer-dryer.html#ixzz26VHLcvV1
http://housewares.about.com/od/laundryappliances/bb/bybdryer.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061121114043AAlwksL
http://www.squidoo.com/10-tips-for-buying-a-second-hand-washing-machine
http://www.ehow.com/how_2258003_buy-used-washer-dryer.html
http://www.ehow.com/info_8312641_look-buying-used-washing-machine.html
http://www.garynorth.com/public/7974.cfm
http://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/laundry-and-cleaning/guides/how-to-buy-the-best-washing-machine/used-washing-machines/
http://savingmoredollars.com/your-guide-to-finding-the-best-used-washer-and-dryer/
http://mises.org/daily/5267/Why-Everything-Is-Dirtier