Is it just me or do all your appliances have a really short life these days?

Yes I agree with your question. The appliances are really short in life. I guess the companies only care about money and making shareholders happy, not the actual customers. Before, TV's were efficient and last more than 15+ years guaranteed. now they probably have a life span of 1-5+ years. And also Cellphones, or mobile phones, my old phone is still working, but I updated it to a newer phone, it broke within a year. Its annoying most appliances break after the warranty finishes.

Well, it does happen to nearly everyone, you are not alone. But, as i see in my home, these problems are generally experienced with relatively new items i.e. there are some things more than 10 years old and they perform well but some things purchased just a year ago do not work. Looks like, in stiff competition now a days, the companies have decreased quality to give things at low prices. Happy Mylotting!!

What I have been noticing is that the more complex an item becomes; the more it has a tendency to break. In other words, the more parts you have and the more complex it is; the more likely it is that one or more will break. My ink jet printer has lasted almost 4 years - all it does is print. My husband's ink jet printer, fax, scanner, copier only lasted a year before something went wrong with it. My husband drives my little 1997 Geo Metro and in the last 2 years, the only thing it needed other than a new set of tires and the occasional oil change was a new starter. If you are not familiar with these cars - it has a 3 cylinder engine, no power steering, and very little that is non-essential (it does have a cdplayer/radio); it also gets over 40 mpg. My friend's 2007 Chevy Malibu just got back from a recall and it has to go back to the dealer for "realigning and restoring the door"; the door was not properly aligned and it bent the door frame. Her car has all the "options" - power steering, power doors, etc. etc. etc. Since she bought it new, it has been in and out of the shop several times. Right now it is under warranty; but, when that warranty runs out the constant repairs will either cost her a fortune or she will be trading in the car to get one with a new warranty. Fewer parts, fewer failures, and fewer repairs/replacements.

They definitely do NOT make things like they used to... They want you to have to go out and buy new stuff. Cars are a real good example, not only are they not as well-made, they have made it alot more difficult to repair your own vehicle. My BF's car has a bad window on the driver's side; we have to wait to repair it, way too expensive right now

I agree with your sentiments. Today, some of the products have low quality. In just a year or worse, less than a year, the appliances that you purchased already malfunctions. I believe that they are not anymore giving customer satisfaction with the product that they purchase. I hope that makers or manufacturers will adhere to the policy that quality products have long life. It is frustrating that after you have paid for it, it is already broken.

We better take care of the things like appliances.. Even the famous branded appliances has a short life if we don't take care of it. We have a washing machine and it's almost 5years and its still doing good.

Yep. So far, vacuum cleaner, coffee maker...Guess you get what you pay for me, at least in my case, lol!

You know, I can't complain right now. Most of our gizmo's and gadgets have been working pretty well (imagine me knocking on wood). I think the biggest problem is that companies look to cut costs so much, that they use inferior materials that just don't stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. I stick to buying well known brands for quality, even if they cost more, and I've found that they last alot longer.

well, it is the ordeal of all those who are buying and using products. buying a gadget means spending on its maintenance.the more gadgets one owns the more one is found in the repair shop.